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Can I switch to higher survivor benefits from recently deceased ex-spouse after already claiming from another ex?
Hi everyone, I'm in a complicated situation with survivor benefits and need some advice. I'm at full retirement age now and have been receiving survivor benefits from my first deceased ex-husband for about 2 years. I took these benefits early because he had claimed his SS early, so waiting wouldn't have helped me much. Here's where it gets tricky - my other ex-husband just passed away recently. We were married for almost 15 years, and I know his Social Security benefit was several hundred dollars higher than what I'm currently receiving. Can I switch to receiving survivor benefits based on this recently deceased ex-spouse instead? And if I can switch, would I still be penalized because I started survivor benefits early from my first ex? Even though it's only a few hundred dollars more per month, that adds up over time, but I'm wondering if dealing with SSA makes it worth the hassle. This whole dual-ex situation is confusing me! Thanks for any guidance you can offer.
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Trying to file for SSDI again after getting SSI approval - Why won't attorneys help me?
I'm currently receiving SSI benefits of $523 per month, but my medical condition has worsened and I believe I now qualify for SSDI which would give me higher payments. After being denied SSDI twice before, I was eventually approved for the lower SSI amount about 8 months ago. I decided this time I should get an attorney for my new SSDI application, but I've contacted six different disability lawyers and they ALL refuse to take my case! They keep saying that since I'm already getting SSI, they can't or won't help me with SSDI. This makes absolutely no sense to me - aren't these completely different programs? I thought SSI was needs-based while SSDI is based on work credits. Why would getting SSI disqualify me from legal help for SSDI? Has anyone successfully gone from SSI to SSDI with an attorney's help? Or know one who will actually take my case?
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my cousin got ssi then ssdi later but he did it himself no lawyer. its possible just gotta fill out all the papers right and have good medical stuff.
That's true, you can definitely apply without an attorney. Just make sure your medical documentation is thorough and clearly shows how your condition meets a disability listing or prevents you from working.
Update: I wanted to thank everyone for their advice! I was able to get through to SSA using Claimyr (thanks for that tip!) and confirmed my SSDI benefit would be $972/month - much higher than my current SSI. The agent also explained that because I have more work credits now than when I first applied, my case might be stronger. I'm going to apply on my own first as suggested, and then look for an attorney for the appeal if needed. I'll specifically mention the benefit amount difference when talking to attorneys. Really appreciate all your help!
Great update! Glad you were able to get through to SSA and get the information you needed. That's a significant difference in benefit amounts, which should definitely help when approaching attorneys. Best of luck with your application!
Should I delay filing for SS retirement with WEP repeal pending? Spousal benefits affected
I've been planning my Social Security retirement timing for years and finally reached my Full Retirement Age next month (March 2025). But now I'm completely confused about what to do with this WEP repeal situation! I worked 22 years under a pension system in California education where I didn't pay into Social Security, then another 17 years in the private sector paying into SS. With the WEP repeal passing Congress (but not signed yet), I'm trying to figure out my best move. According to my calculations, I'd now qualify for about $375 more in monthly benefits plus potentially a spousal top-off since my wife's benefit is much higher than mine. Should I file now as planned or wait until Biden signs the repeal and SSA implements the changes? I'm worried about getting caught in processing limbo if I apply during this transition period. Has anyone dealt with this timing issue around the WEP changes? Any insights would be REALLY appreciated!
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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.
Social Security terminology confusion - where to find glossary of SS acronyms and terms?
I'm feeling completely overwhelmed by all the Social Security terminology I keep encountering! Every post I read here is filled with acronyms I don't understand - FRA, PIA, WEP, GPO, COLA... it's like reading a foreign language! I've spent hours googling terms like 'deemed filing' and 'restricted application' but then stumble across new ones like 'AIME' or 'disability freeze' and feel lost again. Is there an official SSA glossary somewhere? Or did most of you learn these terms through years of dealing with the system? I'm trying to understand my options before I apply for retirement benefits next year (turning 65 in March), but feeling discouraged when I can't follow half the conversations here. Any resources would be greatly appreciated!
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YOU AREN'T STUPID AT ALL!!! The system is DESIGNED to be confusing! I worked for 40 years and when I went to apply the SS rep told me things I'd NEVER heard before. It's like they want us to make mistakes so they can pay out less in benefits.
i know right?? and have you noticed how the rules keep changing every few years? just when you think you understand something they change it all around
One approach that might help is to focus only on terms relevant to your specific situation. It sounds like you're nearing retirement age, so terminology about disability determination or childhood benefits probably isn't essential for you right now. Focus first on understanding: 1. The difference between retirement age options (62, FRA, 70) 2. How spousal benefits work (if applicable) 3. How earnings might affect your benefits if you continue working Don't try to become an expert on every aspect of the system. Even Social Security employees specialize in different areas because no one can master it all. Learn what you need for your specific situation, then expand your knowledge gradually.
That's excellent advice. I've been overwhelming myself trying to understand EVERYTHING, when I should be focusing on what applies to my situation. I'll start with those three areas you mentioned. Thank you!
Will working from home after 70 affect my SS benefits or Medicare coverage?
I just turned 70 last month and I'm considering taking on some part-time bookkeeping work that I can do from my home office. My neighbor mentioned something about earnings limits, but I thought those didn't apply once you reached full retirement age? I've been collecting Social Security since I was 67 and I'm also on Medicare. Will this extra income affect either my monthly SS payment or my Medicare premiums? I'm only looking at maybe $1,200-1,500 per month. I don't want to mess anything up with my benefits, but the extra money would really help with inflation these days.
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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!
Zara Rashid
Make sure u bring id also they asked me for 2 forms of id when i went!!
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Anastasia Fedorov
AuthorThanks for the reminder! I'll definitely bring my driver's license and passport just to be safe.
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Mateo Hernandez
Did anyone else notice how complicated our system is?! Why should someone have to jump through all these hoops just to get benefits they're entitled to? Two deceased ex-spouses, early vs. full retirement age rules, documentation requirements... No wonder people give up or miss out on benefits they deserve. The whole system needs an overhaul!
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NebulaNova
I agree it's complicated, but to be fair, this is a pretty unique situation. Most people don't have multiple deceased ex-spouses with different benefit amounts. The complexity comes from trying to make the system fair for all these different scenarios.
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