I had a similar issue with my ex-spousal benefits claim last month. After weeks of getting nowhere with the regular SSA number, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a representative without the endless hold times. They have a video demonstrating how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I reached was actually able to see the specific exceptions on my claim and explained that one was related to my pension verification and the other was a system flag for the GPO repeal claims. They sent a message to the payment center requesting urgent resolution due to financial hardship, and my claim was processed within a week after that. The key is getting someone who will actually look at the specific exceptions rather than just giving generic information.

Just a quick update on GPO repeal claims - I've heard from several clients that SSA is now starting to process the backlog more quickly. Several people who applied in the first month after the repeal just received approval notices this week. It seems like the payment centers finally received complete processing instructions about two weeks ago. One thing that might help: make sure your online my Social Security account is set up with accurate contact information. Some payment centers are sending electronic messages there rather than paper notices for these claims.

my grandma got the same thing, its normal for women of that generation who didnt work outside the home. its def the spousal benefit and $900 sounds about right for someone that age who prob claimed years ago. the benefit increases every year with COLA but not by much.

Since both of your parents are in their 90s, it's also worth looking into whether your mother might qualify for a higher survivor benefit when your father passes away. The survivor benefit would be up to 100% of what your father receives (including his delayed retirement credits), which would be substantially higher than her current spousal benefit. This is important financial planning to consider at their ages. You might want to discuss this with a benefits specialist at SSA once you get through to them.

Another CRITICAL thing to know - if your sister ever does decide to apply for SSDI (not just retirement), there's a 5 MONTH waiting period before benefits start AND Medicare doesn't kick in until 24 MONTHS after SSDI approval!!! The system is designed to make disabled workers SUFFER!!! And btw - if your sister's injury happened 8 years ago, has she even TRIED applying for SSDI? If her injury is permanent and prevented her from working, she might qualify for SSDI which could actually pay MORE than early retirement. The SSDI benefit is calculated as if she worked until full retirement age!

After reviewing numerous cases like this in my work, here's the most accurate information I can provide: 1. The Worker's Compensation offset for Social Security benefits varies by state law and policy language. 2. In most states, there is a distinction between SSDI and retirement benefits in how they're treated for offset purposes, but approximately 15 states do allow offsets against retirement benefits. 3. The key factor is often when the injury occurred in relation to age. If the worker was disabled well before retirement age, some policies treat any Social Security as partially attributable to the disability. 4. The safest approach is to request a formal written determination from the WC carrier about how they would treat retirement benefits specifically. 5. There may be a maximum combined benefit amount specified in state law (often 80% of pre-injury wages). I recommend having your sister request her earnings record from Social Security to calculate potential retirement benefits, then discuss with both a WC attorney and a financial advisor to determine the optimal strategy.

My mom worked full time after claiming SS at her full retirement age and never had to pay anything back. Earnings test doesn't apply once you hit FRA!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I feel so much better now understanding that since all my retroactive payments were for months AFTER I reached my full retirement age, the earnings test doesn't apply at all. I was getting myself all worked up after reading about someone who had to pay back benefits, but their situation must have been different. Really appreciate all the explanations!

Has anybody mentioned Medicare yet??? Because if either of you has better Medicare coverage thru a former employer that could be affected by marriage!!! The whole system is RIGGED against senior remarriage if you ask me!!!

Just wondering - will you be changing your name when you get married? If so, don't forget to update your Social Security card first, then driver's license, bank accounts, etc. I made the mistake of doing them in the wrong order and it was a nightmare!