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Just to add one more important point: If you've just started collecting Social Security in November 2024, your benefit amount might be different in 2025 due to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment took effect with December 2024 benefits (payable in January 2025). Make sure to budget accordingly for any tax implications based on your new benefit amount going forward.
Thank you everyone for all the helpful answers! I'll keep an eye out for the SSA-1099 in the mail, but I'm also going to set up my online account to access it there if needed. Since I'm past FRA, it sounds like I don't need to worry about the earnings limit, which is a relief. I'll look into that W-4V form to have some taxes withheld from my SS benefits going forward to avoid a surprise tax bill. This community has been incredibly helpful!
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If you don't mind me asking, what conditions are you dealing with? Some conditions have much higher approval rates than others.
I have degenerative disc disease with two failed back surgeries, severe coronary artery disease (had a heart attack last year), and type 2 diabetes that's caused neuropathy in both feet. Also dealing with depression and anxiety that my doctor says is directly related to my physical health deteriorating, but I know mental health claims are even harder to get approved.
With that combination of serious conditions, especially with the documented heart attack and failed surgeries, you have a strong case for your hearing. Make sure your attorney has all the medical documentation, particularly anything that specifically states work limitations from your doctors. Statements about being unable to stand/walk for certain periods, inability to lift objects, need for frequent breaks, etc. are particularly valuable for your case.
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Make sure to double check the FRA for survivor benefits! Some people don't realize survivor FRA can be different from retirement FRA depending on your birth year. For most people born 1943-1954, FRA for survivors is 66, not 67. Just want to make sure you have the right age!
Good catch! I've verified that my survivor FRA is actually the same as my retirement FRA (67) since I was born after 1962. But you're right that they can be different depending on birth year.
One more thing to consider - when you apply, do it as a "filing strategy" rather than just applying for benefits. Make it very clear you're: 1) Filing ONLY for survivor benefits at your FRA 2) Explicitly deferring your retirement benefits to grow delayed retirement credits 3) Planning to switch to your own higher benefit at age 70 I recommend applying in person at your local office if possible for this type of situation. Over the phone or online applications sometimes don't handle these strategic filings correctly. Bring a printed statement explaining your intention if needed.
This is excellent advice. I'll definitely try to schedule an in-person appointment and bring a written statement of exactly what I'm trying to do. I've heard too many horror stories of people's strategic filing plans getting messed up by confusion in the application process.
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To answer your latest question - no, you cannot switch later. Under current rules (changed in 2016), once you file for benefits, you're deemed to be filing for ALL benefits you're eligible for. The SSA will pay you the higher amount, but you cannot switch strategies later. This is why planning is so important. If your own benefit at FRA would be significantly higher than the divorced spouse benefit, it might be worth waiting. Your own benefit grows until age 70, while divorced spouse benefits max out at your FRA. I'd recommend creating a my Social Security account online if you haven't already. It will show your earnings history and benefit estimates based on different claiming ages.
yep this is what happnd to my sister, once u choose theres no going back! she wishes she waited now but no point crying over it.
Thanks everyone for the incredibly helpful advice! I've learned so much: 1. I can claim divorced spouse benefits at 62 based on my ex's SSDI record 2. I'll get either my own benefit OR up to 50% of my ex's benefit (reduced for early claiming), not both 3. Filing at 62 means about a 30% reduction from what I'd get at my FRA 4. Once I file, I can't switch strategies later I'm going to create a my Social Security account and use the benefit estimator to run some numbers. Then I'll try to schedule an appointment specifically to discuss my divorced spouse options. This has been so much more helpful than the confusing information on the SSA website!
Liam Mendez
To directly answer your original question: The WEP applies when you receive a pension based on work where you didn't pay Social Security taxes. The key factor is not whether you receive monthly payments or a lump sum, but whether the payment is based on non-covered employment. An important exception exists if your pension is based on a mix of covered and non-covered employment. If that's the case, the SSA will only apply WEP to the portion derived from earnings where you didn't pay Social Security taxes. Request a detailed WEP calculation from SSA before making your decision.
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Yuki Tanaka
•Thanks for the clear explanation. My pension would be entirely from non-covered employment, so it sounds like I can't avoid the WEP impact entirely. I'll definitely request that detailed calculation from SSA.
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Isabella Brown
Another consideration: depending on your age and specific situation, you might want to look into whether the "substantial earnings test" might help reduce your WEP impact. If you can demonstrate that you had substantial earnings under Social Security for enough years (the magic number is 30, but there's a sliding scale), your WEP reduction can be lessened or eliminated. This would be true whether you take the pension as a lump sum or monthly payments.
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Emily Jackson
•The substantial earnings thresholds are RIDICULOUS too!!! For 2025 you need $32,400 to count as "substantial" - many hard-working people don't make that much especially in rural areas or working class jobs. Another way the system discriminates!!
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