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Social Security survivor benefits backpay + WEP adjustment - conflicting information from SSA reps?
I'm in my late 60s and widowed last year. Finally worked up the courage to apply for survivor benefits in January and had my phone appointment with SSA last month. During that call, I specifically asked about retroactive benefits since I know I was eligible 6+ months before I applied. The rep told me I'd receive 6 months of survivor benefits backpay AND that my Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) adjustment would give me 12 months of additional backpay for my own retirement benefits. This seemed too good to be true, so I've been researching and now I'm confused whether this is correct. Does anyone know if you can really get both types of backpay? I have another phone appointment next week and want to make sure I ask the right questions. My pension is from 22 years of teaching in Ohio where I didn't pay into Social Security, if that matters. Any insight from those who've dealt with both survivor benefits and WEP would be so helpful!
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Social Security disability confusion - lost work credits after 10 years self-employed - options with abusive spouse?
I'm struggling to understand my Social Security options and hoping someone can clarify. I was told previously that I had accumulated 40 work credits for Social Security, but now I'm being told I've lost them? I started working when I was 16 and maintained steady employment until my health started deteriorating. I'm now 41 with multiple serious health conditions including an autoimmune disorder that's progressively getting worse.For the past decade, I've been self-employed with a small business. I filed taxes but apparently wasn't contributing to Social Security during this time. I had no idea this was happening - nobody explained that I needed to pay self-employment tax specifically.My personal situation is complicated: By December 6, 2025, I'll have been married for 2 years. I have a 16-year-old dependent. The marriage is emotionally and financially abusive, but I'm trapped because I depend on my spouse for housing, income, and health insurance coverage.I consulted with a Social Security attorney who told me two concerning things: 1) My husband's income is too high for me to qualify for SSI while married to him, and 2) If I divorce, I would only get about $1,125 monthly because I've "lost" my work credits.Can anyone confirm if this information seems accurate? Would I really lose all those early work credits? Are there any options I'm missing? I feel completely stuck between staying in an abusive situation or facing extreme financial hardship.
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if your husbands abusive why wait til december? the 2 year mark only matters for certain benefits but not worth staying in danger
Social Security earnings limit for 2025 - still $22,320 for collecting SS before FRA?
I'm planning to start collecting Social Security in January 2025 even though I'm only 63 (born in 1962). I know there's an earnings test limit if you work while collecting before your FRA. I thought I read somewhere that the 2025 limit would be $22,320, but my brother-in-law insists it's going up to $25,000. I'm trying to plan my work schedule for next year and need to know the correct amount. If I earn over the limit, they'll withhold $1 for every $2 above it, right? Has the SSA officially announced the 2025 earnings test limit yet? Thanks for any help!
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Widow collecting Social Security since 61 - can I get additional benefits from my own work record at 73?
I've been collecting Social Security survivor benefits since I was 61 after losing my husband of 39 years. I'm now 73 and recently started wondering if I'm leaving money on the table. Is there any way I can get additional SS money based on my own work history? I worked full-time for about 32 years before becoming a widow and retiring. I never thought to ask about my own benefits when I applied for widow's benefits because I was so overwhelmed at the time. Has anyone successfully switched or supplemented their benefits in a situation like mine? Or is it too late now that I've been collecting for 12 years?
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Just wondering but do u have to pay tax on the backpay if they owe you? my mom got a lump sum and it messed up her taxes that yr
Good point about taxes. Yes, a lump sum backpay can push you into a higher tax bracket for that year. There's a special tax calculation called a "lump-sum election" that might help reduce the tax impact, but you'd need to talk to a tax professional about that.
I want to thank everyone for your helpful responses. I was able to get through to SSA (used that Claimyr service that someone suggested - worked great) and found out my own benefit would actually be about $370 more per month than my widow's benefit! They're processing the change now and said I'll get 6 months of backpay. I'm disappointed I missed out on years of higher payments, but I'm grateful for the increase going forward. For anyone else in a similar situation, definitely check if you're receiving the highest benefit you're entitled to!
that's great! congrats on the extra $370! that's a big difference.
So happy for you but still ANGRY that SSA doesn't automatically check this for people!!
How to apply for Social Security survivor benefits for my 16yo niece who just lost her mom
My sister passed away last month and her 16-year-old daughter is now living with me (no father in the picture). I'm trying to figure out the Social Security survivor benefits process for her. Does anyone know what steps we need to take to apply? Are there certain benefits that are automatic versus ones we need to specifically request? Also concerned about potential pitfalls or things we might overlook during this process. Any advice from those who've navigated this before would be really helpful. We're both still processing the loss and all this paperwork feels overwhelming right now.
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my daughter got survivors benefits when she was 14 after her dad died they were really helpful it paid for most of her expenses until she graduated make sure you go in person and bring all the documents they ask for or they'll make you come back again
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. I used the Claimyr service mentioned above and actually got through to schedule an appointment for next week! I've gathered all the documents mentioned and will be setting up a separate account for tracking her benefit funds. One last question - will these benefits affect her eligibility for college financial aid? She's planning to apply to colleges next year.
Good news on getting an appointment! Regarding financial aid, Social Security benefits are considered income for FAFSA purposes, so yes, they will be counted in financial aid calculations. However, this income is reported on the FAFSA and is treated differently than other assets. Make sure to work with her high school counselor next year when filling out financial aid forms, as there are sometimes special considerations for students receiving survivor benefits.
Thank you! I'll make a note to talk to her counselor about this when we start the college application process.
StarSurfer
Your calculation is correct. If your teacher's pension is $3,400/month, then 2/3 of that is about $2,267. If your late husband's benefit would have been $3,000, then after applying GPO, your survivor benefit would be approximately $733 ($3,000 - $2,267). This is why GPO can be so devastating for those with non-covered pensions. Many people are shocked when they realize how much it reduces their survivor benefits. However, you'll still receive your own retirement benefit if it's higher than the GPO-reduced survivor benefit. You don't lose both - you'll get the higher of the two. For your next call, I suggest asking for a PEBES (Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement) and a detailed written explanation of how both WEP and GPO affect your specific situation. This documentation will be invaluable for your records and for understanding exactly what benefits you'll receive.
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Dmitry Petrov
AuthorThank you for confirming my calculation. It is devastating to learn about this reduction - I had no idea it would be this significant. I'll definitely ask for the PEBES and a written explanation during my next call. One more question - does applying for survivor benefits at my age (past FRA) affect the WEP reduction on my own retirement benefits at all? Or are those calculations completely separate?
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Miguel Castro
To answer your question about WEP and survivor benefits: The two calculations are separate, but related in terms of what you ultimately receive. Applying for survivor benefits doesn't directly change the WEP reduction on your own retirement benefit. WEP only applies to benefits based on your own earnings record. However, when you apply for survivor benefits, SSA will determine which is higher: your WEP-reduced retirement benefit OR your GPO-reduced survivor benefit. You'll receive the higher amount, not both. This process might be what the representative was referring to when mentioning adjustments, as they need to recalculate and compare both benefits. Regarding documenting your conversation: While SSA calls aren't officially recorded for your access, I recommend: 1. Taking detailed notes during the call 2. Asking for the representative's name and ID number 3. Requesting all information be sent to you in writing 4. Following up with a written summary to your local SSA office The most important thing is getting a formal, written explanation of your benefits calculation that shows exactly how WEP and GPO are being applied in your case.
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