Can't reach Social Security Administration? Claimyr connects you to a live SSA agent in minutes.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the SSA
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the SSA drops your call
If I could give 10 stars I would
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!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
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!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
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.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
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!
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Join the conversation
Join the conversation
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I'm feeling much more confident now. Here's my plan based on everyone's advice: 1. Check my detailed earnings record on mySocialSecurity 2. Request IRS transcripts for any questionable years 3. Start my application process now since I'm turning 70 soon 4. Mention my concerns about the earnings record when I apply 5. Focus only on correcting years that would be in my top 35 I'll report back once I've gone through the earnings history. Fingers crossed there aren't any major issues!
That sounds like a perfect plan! One more tip: When you look at your earnings record on mySocialSecurity, there's a way to download the entire history as a PDF. Do that and take your time reviewing it. Sometimes seeing it all in one document makes it easier to spot unusual patterns or missing years. Good luck!
Good luck! And don't forget to decide about Medicare too if you haven't already! That's a whole other thing to worry about lol
Oh thanks for the reminder! I'm already on Medicare since I signed up at 65, but I should check if there's anything that needs updating when I start receiving Social Security.
Join the conversation
I think its dumb that they even have a limit. We paid into this our whole lives and then they dont let us work?? Makes no sense!!
It does seem counterproductive. They want seniors to stay active but then penalize us if we work too much before FRA. At least the limit goes away completely once you reach full retirement age.
Thank you all for the incredibly helpful information! I've taken notes on everything: - We'll use the monthly earnings test for 2025 - Request this specifically when applying - His $50k from Jan-May won't count as long as he stays under the monthly limit after starting benefits - Make sure he doesn't exceed the monthly limit even once or they'll switch to annual test - Keep documentation of his retirement This is such a relief - we were worried we'd lose thousands in benefits. I'll update after we apply to let everyone know how it goes!
Smart planning! One more tip: when your husband applies, get the name and direct extension of the claims representative who handles his application. This makes follow-up much easier if there are any issues with how the monthly earnings test is applied.
Join the conversation
wait i just realized my situation isnt the same as yours cause my wife gets SSI not SSDI sorry bout that! but i still think taking it early makes sense with what ur saying
Just to clarify for anyone reading this thread: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) have different rules regarding survivor benefits. SSI is needs-based and doesn't generate survivor benefits, while SSDI is based on work credits and does provide survivor benefits. This is why it's so important to understand which benefit type you're dealing with when making these decisions.
My friend said she called and the SS people told her she should ALWAYS wait until FRA if possible. Are you SURE this is the right move?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer with Social Security. While waiting until FRA maximizes that particular benefit, personal circumstances matter enormously. In the original poster's case, with a spouse on SSDI, limited working years, and the option to switch to survivor benefits later, taking reduced benefits at 62 may align with their specific financial situation and goals. This is why personalized analysis is so important rather than general rules of thumb.
Join the conversation
To directly answer your question: you should absolutely set up voluntary withholding if you're concerned about a tax bill. The W-4V form is available on the IRS website (irs.gov), or Social Security can mail you one. A few key points about Social Security taxation that many new beneficiaries don't realize: 1. Whether your benefits are taxable depends on your "combined income" (AGI + non-taxable interest + half your SS benefits) 2. For individual filers: - Below $25,000: No tax on SS benefits - $25,000-$34,000: Up to 50% of benefits may be taxable - Above $34,000: Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable 3. For married filing jointly: - Below $32,000: No tax on SS benefits - $32,000-$44,000: Up to 50% of benefits may be taxable - Above $44,000: Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable Many retirees find 10% withholding works well, but consult with a tax professional based on your specific situation.
quick question - if your only income is social security of $1,800 per month, you don't need to pay taxes on it right? my brother doesn't file taxes anymore because SS is his only income
That's correct. If Social Security is his only income at $1,800/month ($21,600/year), he's well below the $25,000 threshold where benefits become partially taxable for single filers. He likely doesn't need to file a federal return, though he should check if his state has different rules as some states do tax Social Security benefits differently than the federal government.
Thank you all so much for the helpful information! I just downloaded the W-4V form and will send it in tomorrow. I'm thinking I'll start with 10% withholding and adjust next year if needed. I'll also check with my tax preparer to see if I should make any quarterly estimated tax payments for this year since I've already received a few months of benefits without withholding. It's frustrating that the SSA representative didn't explain any of this when I applied for benefits. When they say "before deductions" they should really clarify what that means! I suspect I'm not the only newly retired person confused by this.
You're making a smart move getting this sorted out now. One quick tip: make a copy of your completed W-4V before sending it in, as sometimes these requests can take 1-3 months to process, and occasionally they get lost in the system. If you don't see the withholding start within 90 days, you may need to follow up with a copy of your original request.
Paolo Rizzo
To clarify some misinformation in this thread: Social Security payments are protected during government shutdowns because: 1. SS benefits are mandatory spending authorized by permanent law 2. The program has its own dedicated funding source (FICA taxes) 3. The Social Security Trust Fund is separate from general federal revenue During a shutdown, while some SSA services might be limited (like processing new applications or answering general questions), payments to current beneficiaries continue without interruption. Your mother's February payment will arrive on her regular payment date based on her birth date or when she first started receiving benefits. The payment will be her full benefit amount plus the 2025 COLA increase that went into effect in January. If she's concerned about her benefits, she should create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov where she can view her payment schedule and benefit amounts directly.
0 coins
Yara Abboud
•Thank you for breaking this down so clearly. I think a lot of the confusion came from news coverage that didn't distinguish between discretionary and mandatory spending. This is really reassuring.
0 coins
Oliver Fischer
My friend couldn't get ahold of SSA for TWO WEEKS when she needed to check on her missing January payment!!! They finally figured out it was some bank routing issue but she was almost EVICTED waiting for it to get fixed!!!
0 coins
NebulaNomad
•This is unfortunately common right now. SSA offices are understaffed and their phone systems are overwhelmed. For urgent payment issues like potential eviction, she should have contacted her local Congressional representative's office. They have liaison channels to SSA and can expedite emergency cases. Worth remembering for anyone facing critical benefits delays.
0 coins