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Will my Social Security benefits change at 67 with WEP if I'm getting a government pension?
I've worked for a city government for most of my career (25 years) and am currently receiving a pension under our 457 plan. I also worked in the private sector for about 12 years before my government job and paid into Social Security during that time. When I applied for Social Security at 62, the claims specialist said I would be eligible for SS benefits despite my government pension, which would boost my monthly income. He mentioned something about WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) affecting the calculation but didn't really explain it well. I'm turning 67 in a few months (my full retirement age according to SS). Does anyone know if my benefit amount will change when I reach FRA? The SSA website is confusing me, and I can't tell if the WEP reduction stays the same or changes when I hit 67. I'm trying to budget for next year and really need to understand if I'll see any change in my SS check.
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SSDI examiner fixated on kidney mass when my claim is spine-related - what does this mean?
Filed for SSDI about 6 months ago primarily for severe spine issues. Last month, I had a new MRI done through the VA that showed worsening degeneration in my back (which was the whole point), but they also discovered a mass in my kidney that might be cancerous. I submitted the entire MRI report to Social Security as additional evidence for my back problems, not thinking much about the kidney finding. Here's where it's getting weird - the SSDI examiner has called me TWICE in the past month specifically asking for updates about my kidney situation. I'm having surgery to remove the affected kidney at the end of February, and he specifically asked me to call him after the surgery with an update. I'm honestly confused. This examiner seems genuinely concerned about my kidney (which is nice I guess?), but that wasn't part of my disability claim at all. I filed for my degenerative spine issues that prevent me from working. Is the examiner considering adding this to my claim? Is this normal procedure? Or is he just being exceptionally thorough? Don't want to question something that might actually be helping my case, but it seems strange they're so focused on something that wasn't part of my original claim. Should I just go with it and keep providing the kidney updates he's requesting?
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Just wanted to wish you good luck with your kidney surgery. That's scary stuff on top of dealing with SSDI bureaucracy. Hope everything goes well!
Thank you, I appreciate that. It's definitely been stressful dealing with both health issues and the disability application process at the same time.
To address your question about updating the Adult Function Report - it would be helpful to provide an update after your surgery. You can submit a letter from your doctor describing any additional limitations resulting from the kidney removal. Generally, SSA evaluates disability based on how your conditions limit your ability to work. While spine issues typically cause exertional limitations (lifting, standing, walking), the kidney cancer and surgery may cause non-exertional limitations (need for frequent breaks, absences for treatment, fatigue). The combination of these different types of limitations often presents a stronger case than either condition alone. When you speak with the examiner after surgery, ask if you should submit an updated Function Report or if a medical source statement from your doctor would be sufficient.
Exactly right. And to add some context - SSA uses what's called the "combined effects" doctrine when evaluating disability claims. They look at how ALL your medical conditions interact to impact your ability to work. Sometimes people get denied when looking at each condition individually, but approved when considering the combined impact. The examiner seems to be properly applying this approach.
Divorced after 38 years - can't get SS appointment to claim ex-spouse benefits while caring for disabled adult child
I'm really at my wit's end with trying to get information from Social Security! I'm 63 and was married for 38 years before divorcing 5 years ago. During our marriage, I mainly worked in our family business but apparently didn't have proper Social Security contributions made (my ex handled all the payroll/taxes). I've also been the primary caregiver for my adult son with special needs, which limited my work options. I'm currently working full-time but desperately need to reduce my hours due to caregiver burnout. My disabled son recently started receiving benefits on his father's record, and I'm trying to figure out what I might be eligible for as a divorced spouse. My attempts to get help have been BEYOND frustrating: - First call: Waited 5 HOURS for a callback only to get disconnected at 8pm - Second call last week: Waited 3 hours, finally spoke to someone who couldn't find my marriage connection to my ex in their system - Asked for an appointment and was told there are NO appointments available at my local office I requested a benefits comparison showing what I'd get on my own record versus my ex-spouse's record, but they couldn't even get that far. I'm completely stuck! I need this information to make decisions about reducing my work hours. Is there any way to directly call the local SSA office for an appointment? Does anyone know how to get through this bureaucratic nightmare when you need to discuss complex situations involving divorced spouse benefits and disabled adult child benefits? I'm hoping I'll randomly get an appointment notice in the mail, but not holding my breath...
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have u tried going on the website mySocialSecurity to make appointment? they say u can do that now. I made mine that way last month but u might need to create account first
I tried creating a mySocialSecurity account last year but had trouble with the identity verification part. It kept saying my credit file information didn't match. I should probably try again because if I could schedule online that would be so much easier than these endless phone calls.
After reading through the comments, I want to emphasize something important about your specific situation. Since you mentioned your son recently started receiving benefits on his father's record as a disabled adult child (DAC), you may be in a special category. If you're providing care for a disabled adult child who receives Social Security benefits, you might qualify for what's called a "mother's or father's benefit" even though your child is an adult. This is different from your divorced spouse benefit and they can sometimes be payable simultaneously, subject to family maximum rules. When you finally get your appointment, make sure they calculate BOTH: 1. Your divorced spouse benefit (potentially up to 50% of your ex's PIA) 2. Your potential caregiver benefit for your disabled son Bringing documentation of your caregiving responsibilities will be crucial. The technical term SSA uses for this is "in-care" requirement for mother's/father's benefits. Many representatives don't fully understand these complex rules where divorce, disability, and caregiving intersect.
This is incredibly helpful - I had no idea I might qualify for a separate benefit as his caregiver! He does have significant disabilities and requires daily support. I'll definitely bring documentation of his care needs. Would medical records be enough, or do I need something specific showing I'm his caregiver?
Medical records are good, but also bring any legal guardianship papers if you have them, documentation of living arrangements, and perhaps a letter from his doctor specifying his care needs and your role. The more documentation you have about your caregiving responsibilities, the stronger your case will be. SSA needs to see that you're providing ongoing care and supervision, not just occasional help.
Will my husband's Social Security benefits include 2025 COLA if he started receiving in Oct 2024?
My husband finally started getting Social Security retirement benefits in October 2024 (he applied in September). Today we got this letter from SSA explaining his benefit amount and saying he'll receive the same payment each month going forward, with his November payment coming in December on his regular payment date. I'm confused about two things: 1) Does this mean he WON'T be getting the 2025 COLA increase that was just announced? The letter doesn't mention anything about a COLA adjustment. Will that come in a separate notice? 2) We estimated his 2024 earnings would be around $28,300 when he applied, but his actual earnings ended up being about $29,000 before he stopped working completely. All those extra earnings ($700) were from before he started collecting benefits. Do I need to contact SSA about this difference or will they figure it out automatically when his employer reports his W-2? This is our first time dealing with Social Security benefits and I don't want to mess anything up! Thanks in advance for any guidance.
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To add a bit more technical detail: The 2025 COLA (3.2%) will be applied to everyone receiving Social Security benefits as of December 2024. The timing of when someone started receiving benefits doesn't affect COLA eligibility. For the earnings question, the rules depend on your husband's age. Since you mentioned he's 67 and at his Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings test doesn't apply to him anyway. SSA will reconcile his actual earnings when tax information is processed, but this won't affect his benefit amount. The letter you received is standard for new beneficiaries. You'll receive a separate COLA notice in December that will explain the inflation adjustment being applied to his benefits starting January 2025.
Thank you for the detailed explanation! Yes, he is past his FRA so it sounds like we don't need to worry about either issue. It's surprising how little explanation comes with these notices - they just assume everyone understands all the Social Security rules already.
wait does anyone know if the 3.2% gets added to wats in the letter already or is it calculated some other way?? so confused
The 3.2% COLA will be applied to your current benefit amount (before any deductions like Medicare premiums). So if your current benefit is $2,000, the COLA would add $64 (2000 × 0.032 = 64), making your new gross benefit $2,064 starting in January. The COLA notice in December will show the exact calculation for your specific situation.
Social Security retirement payments held after working too much - will I get January or September 2025 payment?
I'm completely confused about when I'll actually start receiving my Social Security retirement benefits. I applied in June (3 months before turning 62 in September) and got approved. But since I was still working and earning above the limit, I understood I wouldn't get payments for 2024. Here's where I'm confused - the CSR initially told me payments would start January 2025, and I'm almost positive I received a letter stating that. But today I checked online (I'm supposed to get paid tomorrow based on my birthday) and it says my benefits are suspended because I worked. Called SS and waited 45 minutes only to have the rep tell me they pay at the end of the year. The CSR and I did the math together and agreed I should get 3 months worth of SS in 2025. That's fine, but WHEN exactly? January or September? From the SSA website, I found this example that seems close to my situation: "For example, a person retires at age 62 on October 30, 2025. They will earn $45,000 through October and take a part-time job beginning in November, earning $500 per month. Although their earnings for the year substantially exceed the 2025 annual limit ($23,400), they will receive a Social Security payment for November and December." In 2025, I'll earn about $4,000 total, well under the limit. Do my benefits restart automatically in January or do I have to wait until September? I never get straight answers when I call SSA!
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have u checked ur my social security acct online? sometimes it shows pending payments there before they even tell u. might give u a clue if somethings gonna hit in january
Good idea! I just checked but it still shows as suspended. Maybe it'll update closer to January? I'll keep an eye on it.
To summarize what should happen in your case: 1. Benefits should automatically resume in January 2025 2. No action needed from you if SSA has your correct 2025 earnings estimate 3. First payment should arrive based on your birth date schedule in January 4. You'll receive your full monthly benefit amount since your 2025 earnings are well below the limit If January comes and you don't receive payment, then you should contact SSA immediately to ensure they have the correct earnings information for 2025. For peace of mind, you could call once more in December to verify everything is set up correctly for January payment resumption.
Thank you so much for this clear summary! I think I'll call in December just to make sure everything is on track. It's reassuring to know the system should automatically restart payments in January as long as they have my correct 2025 earnings estimate.
Saanvi Krishnaswami
Does anyone know if there's still talk in Congress about getting rid of WEP? I remember hearing something about a bill to reform or eliminate it a couple years ago but never heard what happened with that.
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Dallas Villalobos
There have been several bills introduced over the years to modify or repeal WEP, but none have passed yet. The most recent was the Social Security Fairness Act, which would eliminate both WEP and GPO. It has bipartisan support but concerns about cost have prevented it from passing. There's also been discussion of a "proportional formula" approach that would modify rather than eliminate WEP. But as of right now, WEP remains in effect with no changes on the immediate horizon.
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Melina Haruko
Update: I finally got through to Social Security! The representative confirmed what many of you said - my benefit will increase at 67 because the early claiming reduction will be removed, but the WEP reduction stays the same. In my case, she said my benefit should increase by about $275 per month. That's a significant boost for my budget, so I'm relieved! She also explained that since I have 12 years of substantial earnings, my WEP reduction is a bit less than the maximum. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Reina Salazar
thats great news! glad u got more $$ coming. its so confusing when u have both pension and ss benefits!
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