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my mom went thru this last year. make sure ur wife checks if survivor benfits would be higher than spousal! that's a whole different calculation and GPO affects it differently sometimes.
That's an excellent point about survivor benefits. While spousal benefits max out at 50% of the worker's PIA, survivor benefits can be up to 100% of what the deceased spouse was receiving (including delayed retirement credits). GPO still applies, but since the base amount is higher, survivor benefits are more likely to exceed the GPO reduction than spousal benefits are.
We hadn't thought about survivor benefits yet, but that's a good point. I know delaying until 70 will maximize what she could receive if I pass away first. Is there anything specific we should know about how GPO affects survivor benefits differently?
To summarize for clarity: 1. Your wife cannot claim spousal benefits until you file for your retirement benefits 2. Due to GPO, any spousal benefits she'd receive would be reduced by 2/3 of her government pension 3. When you do file at 70, SSA will automatically determine if adding a spousal benefit would increase her total benefit 4. If her own reduced benefit already exceeds what she'd get as your spouse after GPO, no additional amount would be paid 5. Delaying until 70 is still valuable for potential survivor benefits later Regarding GPO and survivor benefits: The same 2/3 pension offset applies, but since survivor benefits can be up to 100% of your benefit (versus 50% for spousal), there's more likely to be something left after the offset.
Thank you for this clear summary! This is extremely helpful. I'll stick with my plan to file at 70, and when I do, we'll see if my wife qualifies for any additional spousal benefits at that time. I appreciate everyone's insights!
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I just remembered something else!!! Make SURE you ask about any LUMP SUM DEATH BENEFIT when you apply!!! My friend almost missed out on the $255 death payment because no one at SSA told her about it - she had to specifically ask. They don't automatically tell you everything you're eligible for!!
Thank you for this reminder. I did receive the $255 lump sum death benefit shortly after my husband passed away. It's not much, but every bit helped with the funeral expenses. You're right that they don't always tell you everything you might be eligible for!
After reading through all these comments, I think your best approach is to: 1. Schedule an appointment with SSA (either by phone or in-person) 2. Apply for survivor benefits regardless of potential GPO impact 3. Request a detailed calculation showing how GPO affects your specific case 4. Also request a computation of your own future retirement benefit at 70, accounting for WEP 5. Make your decision based on these personalized calculations Many people in your situation find that even with GPO, they might receive a small survivor benefit, which can provide some income between 60 and 70 while your own benefit grows with delayed retirement credits. The key is getting accurate calculations based on your specific earnings history rather than general advice.
Thank you for summarizing this plan of action. I agree that getting the specific calculations for my situation is crucial. I'll apply for survivor benefits and request detailed calculations including both the GPO impact and my future retirement benefit with WEP considered. This forum has been incredibly helpful in preparing me for what to ask and what to expect when I finally get through to SSA.
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has anyone here tried going to the congressperson office for help with SS? my neighbor did that when she couldnt get anwhere with her disability claim and suddenly everything got fixed in like 2 weeks
I did this last year! Called my representative's office and explained I was about to be evicted while waiting for my SS appeal. They have dedicated caseworkers for social security issues and got me a status update within 3 days. Didn't speed up my whole case but at least I knew what was happening.
Update on your deadline question: Submitting a written request for extension BEFORE the deadline counts as meeting the requirement. Make sure you include your name, SSN, the date of the denial letter, and explain your good cause reason (documented phone attempts + doctor unavailability). Send it certified mail with return receipt. You should still try to submit your appeal form with whatever evidence you currently have, but the extension request protects your rights.
THANK YOU!!! This is exactly what I needed to know. I'm going to send in what I have tomorrow with the extension request letter via certified mail. You've seriously saved me from a panic attack. I'll also try the Claimyr thing another person mentioned to see if I can actually talk to someone and get verbal confirmation.
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dont forget to bring ur marriage certificates and divorce papers!! they wont be able to tell u accurate info without those!! my sister went in 3 times before they could help her with ex spouse benefits bcuz she didnt have right paperwork
This is excellent advice. For the appointment, you should bring: - Marriage certificates for all marriages - Divorce decrees for all divorces - Death certificates if applicable - Your birth certificate - Your Social Security card - Photo ID Without these documents, they may not be able to give you accurate calculations or properly document your marital history in their system.
Something no one has mentioned yet: if your current husband passes away, you could take widow's benefits at 60 (reduced), then switch to your own retirement at 62 if higher, then potentially switch AGAIN to ex-spouse survivor benefits if ex-spouse #2 passes away and those benefits would be higher. This maximizing strategy is complex but could mean thousands more in benefits over your lifetime. Make sure to ask the SSA rep to explain all possible sequencing scenarios. And definitely mention the RIB-LIM rule specifically - not all reps are familiar with how it works unless you use the technical term.
Thank you! I hadn't even considered this multi-switching strategy. This is why I'm so glad I asked here first before my appointment. I'm writing down all these scenarios and technical terms so I don't forget anything important during my meeting.
Victoria Charity
One more clarification about the SSDI to retirement conversion at 67 - while your payment amount stays the same, there's a significant benefit: once you're on retirement benefits instead of SSDI, you'll no longer be subject to medical reviews, and you can earn unlimited income without affecting your benefits (unlike SSDI which has strict work limitations). Regarding your LTD question - many policies do terminate at 65, but the exact terms depend on your specific policy. Some continue until your Social Security Full Retirement Age (67), while others have different age-based schedules. I'd recommend reviewing your policy documents or contacting your LTD provider directly.
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Evan Kalinowski
•That's a great point about no more medical reviews! Those always make me nervous even though my condition is permanent. I didn't realize I could work without limits after conversion either - that's really good to know.
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Lauren Zeb
dont forget that medicare starts at 65 even if your on SSDI already. you need to sign up for part B when you get close to 65 or youll get penalties!
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Aurora Lacasse
•Actually if she's been on SSDI for 2+ years she already has Medicare. I got mine 24 months after my SSDI started even though I was only 52 at the time.
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