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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
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Has anyone else noticed that the SSA website hasn't been updated with ANY information about the WEP repeal yet? I've been checking every few days but there's nothing official about how they're planning to implement it.
Because they're COMPLETELY UNPREPARED for this change!!! They'll probably take MONTHS to figure out how to implement it properly!! That's why waiting might be smart!
After reading through all the comments, I want to emphasize a strategic approach. File now, but be prepared for some administrative challenges. The SSA will almost certainly implement the WEP repeal retroactively once it's signed into law, meaning anyone affected will eventually receive the correct amount regardless of when they file. The key is documentation and follow-up. Keep copies of everything, use the Remarks section of your application to note your WEP situation, and be prepared to follow up regularly. While the SSA systems may take time to adjust, establishing your benefit entitlement at your FRA is valuable from a planning perspective. Regarding your spousal benefit top-off, that calculation will automatically adjust based on your new primary insurance amount after the WEP repeal is implemented.
I really appreciate the thoughtful advice from everyone. I think I'll go ahead and file now rather than delay my benefits, but I'll make sure to document everything carefully and specifically mention the WEP situation in my application. It seems like the consensus is that SSA will eventually sort it out, even if it takes some time for the adjustment to happen.
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After struggling with similar SSA phone issues, I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in under 10 minutes! It basically navigates the SSA phone system for you and calls you back when it reaches an agent. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed answers about my application status. There's a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - definitely worth checking out if you're desperate to speak with someone about your case. Getting answers directly from SSA is critical with these GPO implementation questions.
Thank you! I hadn't heard of this service before. I'm going to check out that video right now. At this point, I'd try anything to get actual answers from someone at SSA about my application!
UPDATE: My mom finally got through to someone and they told her the GPO repeal benefits start paying out in JULY 2025! So even though the law passed, they're still denying applications until then. Did anyone else hear this???
This is correct. While the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law, the actual implementation date for benefit payments is July 2025. SSA is currently working on updating their systems and procedures. You should still apply (or have your reconsideration on file) so you're in the system when the payments begin, but actual payments affected by the GPO repeal won't start until July 2025.
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I've been running a small Etsy shop since I was 68 (I'm 74 now), and while my Social Security hasn't been affected, the tax situation is something you really need to understand. At tax time, my first year was super confusing with the Schedule C, self-employment tax, and estimating quarterly payments. Would it be an actual job with a W-2 or are you doing independent contractor work with a 1099? That makes a big difference for tax purposes.
It would be contractor work with a 1099. I'm thinking I should probably talk to a tax professional before starting, just to make sure I understand all the implications. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Based on all the information shared here, let me summarize for you: 1. Your Social Security benefits will NOT be reduced no matter how much you earn (since you're over FRA) 2. Your Medicare premiums probably won't increase unless your household income is already close to $206,000 3. You may need to pay taxes on more of your Social Security benefits if your combined income exceeds the thresholds mentioned 4. As a 1099 contractor, you'll need to pay self-employment tax and possibly quarterly estimated taxes A consultation with a tax professional would definitely be worthwhile before you start. They can help you plan for quarterly payments and maximize any home office or business deductions you might be eligible for.
This is super helpful! I'll definitely speak with a tax professional. I hadn't thought about the home office deduction - that could help offset some of the self-employment tax. Thank you all for your advice!
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Off topic but does anyone know if widow benefits increase every year with cost of living like regular retirement does? My aunt is thinking about applying soon.
Yes, widow/survivor benefits do receive the annual COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) increases, just like retirement benefits. The 2026 COLA hasn't been announced yet, but all Social Security benefits including widow benefits will increase by that percentage when it takes effect in January.
I went through something similar last year when I needed to replace my furnace. I was so scared of messing up my benefits that I initially put it on credit cards instead of getting a proper loan! Big mistake - the interest was killing me. After talking with an SSA rep (finally got through after multiple attempts), I learned that loans don't count as income. I got a proper home improvement loan with much better terms and have had absolutely no issues with my widow benefits. One thing to watch out for though - if you withdraw money from retirement accounts for your bathroom, THAT could potentially affect benefits if you're under FRA. But a standard loan is completely fine.
Mei Liu
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I checked my MySocialSecurity account and you were right - it was labeled as my September benefit payment. It's slightly less than my regular monthly amount because I started benefits mid-month. Mystery solved! I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this.
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Amara Chukwu
make sure to save the extra $$ for taxes! they might not have taken out enough depending on ur withholding choices
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Mei Liu
•Good point about the taxes - I'll set some aside just in case. I'm still getting used to all these retirement finance details.
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