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Wait I'm confused...I thought SSI and Social Security were the same thing? Which calculator should I use if I'm on disability but turning 65 next year?
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and Social Security retirement are different programs: - SSI is needs-based for people with limited income/resources who are disabled, blind, or 65+ - Social Security retirement is based on your work history and payroll tax contributions If you're receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it automatically converts to retirement benefits when you reach Full Retirement Age (66-67 depending on birth year). The amount stays the same. If you're on SSI (which maxes at about $943/month in 2025), you should contact SSA directly as your situation requires personalized guidance.
Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! I downloaded ANYPIA but it's pretty complicated. I'm going to try MaximizeMySocialSecurity.com since it seems more user-friendly and the price is reasonable. I'm also realizing that because I only have 31 years of earnings, even my reduced-income years will help fill in those missing years in my top 35. That's something I didn't fully understand before.
DONT FORGET to ask about the lump sum death payment too!!! Its only $255 but its something extra!!!! A lot of people dont know about this and SSA wont tell u!!!!
After your call tomorrow, if they don't agree to use your August date, you can request a formal determination in writing and then appeal if necessary. SSA has an established appeals process. But hopefully they'll handle it correctly tomorrow if you clearly explain the situation. Also, make sure you're prepared to provide all the necessary information for your application: your spouse's death certificate, marriage certificate, both your Social Security numbers, and your direct deposit information. Having this ready will help ensure the application gets completed this time.
Since you mentioned cancer recovery - don't forget that the SSA has compassionate allowances and expedited processing for serious medical conditions. If your condition worsens or you need to apply for disability, make sure to mention your cancer diagnosis as it might qualify you for faster processing. Sending healing thoughts your way.
its so confusing my sister got more from her ex husband than her second husband when he died but they told me different rules when i called????????
The rules can seem inconsistent because they're applied differently based on individual circumstances. Your sister's benefit amount would depend on her age, whether she was receiving her own benefits, how much each husband earned, etc. That's why it's always best to speak directly with SSA about your specific situation rather than comparing to someone else's experience.
Does anyone know if the payments will be RETROACTIVE when they finally implement this? I've been getting reduced benefits for 12 years now because of WEP!
Based on the legislation, the adjustments will be retroactive to the effective date of the law (January 2025), but not for the entire period you've been affected by WEP. So you'll get retroactive payments from January 2025 until whenever they actually implement the changes in their system, but not for the 12 years prior to the law changing.
My cousin told me this doesn't apply if you're already receiving disability instead of retirement. Is that true? I get SSDI and had my benefit reduced by WEP too.
Zoe Papanikolaou
I'm sorry about your ex-husband's passing. When my brother died, we learned that Social Security won't automatically pay these benefits - you MUST apply. And the 2-year deadline is strict. I'd recommend calling your local SSA office directly rather than the national number - sometimes it's easier to get through. Also, bring your children's birth certificates and Social Security cards when you go in, along with your ID and his death certificate.
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Ethan Taylor
•Thank you for the condolences and advice. I'll try calling our local office tomorrow. Would you recommend making an appointment or just walking in? I'll gather all those documents right away.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
Definitely make an appointment if possible - the walk-in wait times can be terrible. Some offices are still requiring appointments anyway. Check the SSA website for your local office's phone number. And remember to ask about survivor benefits for your children when you go in - that's the really important part that could help financially for years to come.
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