What happens when they convert her from disability to retirement? Will the payment amount change? My wife is worried about that part.

Update: I finally got through to SSA! The representative confirmed that my wife can take the extra shift since she'll still be under the SGA limit. They also checked and said she hasn't used any of her Trial Work Period months yet, which is good to know for the future. Thanks everyone for your help!

One more thing - print out a copy of the actual legislation repealing WEP/GPO and take it with you when you go to the SSA office. I've learned from dealing with them for years that many employees don't stay updated on policy changes. Having the actual law in your hand can save you from being given incorrect information. And if the first person you talk to seems confused, politely ask to speak with a technical expert or supervisor who specializes in WEP/GPO issues.

my mom had gpo affect her widows benefit for years. shes so excited about the repeal but scared about dealing with ssa. will let u know how it goes when she tries in january!

One thing nobody's mentioned - if he gets approved for SSDI with an onset date from 20 years ago, does he qualify for any back payments? Seems like the system should compensate him for all those years he could have collected but chose to work instead.

This is actually a common misunderstanding about SSDI and Medicare. The 24-month waiting period for Medicare begins when you become entitled to SSDI benefits, which is typically 5 months after your established onset date (due to the SSDI 5-month waiting period). However, since your brother-in-law has been disabled for 20 years but never applied, his entitlement date would begin 5 months after he applies and gets approved (assuming they establish his onset date as recent). If he can prove he met the disability criteria continuously for the past 20 years, the onset date might be set far back, but SSA will only pay benefits 12 months retroactively from application date. The Medicare clock would still start from his first SSDI entitlement, not from the onset date 20 years ago. Only time actually receiving SSDI benefits counts toward the Medicare waiting period.

One more important thing to consider: If you're still working, the earnings test might apply until you reach your FRA. In 2025, you can earn up to $22,150 without any reduction in benefits. Above that, they withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 earned. Are you still working, and if so, do you earn above this threshold?

I called back to SSA three times and got three slightly different answers about my survivor benefits. The third rep finally took the time to do the actual calculation with me on the phone and explain each step. Don't be afraid to keep calling until you get someone who will take the time to go through the full calculation with you so you understand exactly what you'll be receiving.

The original poster should also know that the surviving parent needs to report her own earned income to Social Security if she's receiving the mother/father with child-in-care benefit. For 2025, if she earns over approximately $22,320, her benefit (not the children's) will be reduced by $1 for every $2 she earns above that limit. The children's benefits are safe regardless of the parent's income.

my heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. losing a loved one is hard enough without having to figure out all these complicated financial issues. sending hugs to you and those kiddos.