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Can't get through to SS agent about SSDI appeal deadline - help!
I filed for SSDI after my workplace injury last October and got denied in February. I immediately submitted an appeal but now I'm panicking because the 60-day deadline to submit additional medical evidence is this Friday! I've called SS every day this week (42 times according to my phone log) and can't get through to anyone. Just busy signals or disconnected after waiting 2+ hours. The local office is booked solid for 3 weeks and I need to talk to someone ASAP about what medical records they need. The denial letter mentioned something about my "functional capacity assessment" not matching my claim? My doctor is on vacation until next week so I can't even get new records until then. Has anyone successfully reached SS by phone lately? What's the fastest way to get this deadline extended before I lose my appeal rights??
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Can I claim ex-spouse Social Security benefits at 66 while still working before my FRA?
Hi everyone, I've been working full-time at my company for the past 8 years and just turned 66 last month. I know I haven't hit my Full Retirement Age yet (I think mine is 66 and 10 months?). I was married for 17 years before getting divorced about 11 years ago, and I've remained single ever since. I recently heard from a friend that I might be eligible to claim Social Security benefits based on my ex-husband's record even while I'm still working. He's 63 now and I'm not sure if he's already claiming benefits or not. We don't really communicate. Does anyone know if this is something I can do? Would it affect my own benefits when I eventually retire? And does HE need to be collecting already for me to be eligible? Thanks for any advice!
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I'm confused why youd even consider claiming now?? If your still working full time at a good job just wait until you ACTUALLY retire! Your getting penalized with the earnings limit AND taking reduced benefits before FRA. Makes no sense to file early in your situation, just my 2 cents!
It's actually a valid question. Sometimes there are situations where claiming early makes sense, like if someone has health concerns or cash flow issues. But you're right that with a good full-time income, the earnings test would significantly reduce any benefits received before FRA. Each situation is unique - that's why getting accurate information from SSA about both benefit amounts is so crucial to making an informed decision.
To address your follow-up question - claiming ex-spouse benefits doesn't impact your own retirement benefits. When you eventually claim your own benefits, if they're higher than what you're receiving as an ex-spouse, you'll be automatically switched to the higher amount. This is different from spousal benefits strategies that existed before 2016. Given your full-time work and earnings level, you might want to consider these options: 1. Wait until your FRA (66+10 months) to avoid the earnings test entirely 2. Wait until you actually retire from your job 3. Speak with SSA to compare both benefit amounts to make an informed decision Remember that your own benefit increases by 8% per year if you delay claiming beyond your FRA, up until age 70, while ex-spouse benefits don't increase after your FRA.
Thank you! I think I'm going to wait until my FRA since I'm planning to work at least until then anyway. The earnings test would really eat into any benefits I'd receive now. I appreciate everyone's help in understanding this complicated system!
Multiple marriages complicating Social Security survivor benefits at 60 - need advice before SSA appointment
I'm heading to the SSA office next week (January 3, 2025) for my appointment and need to make sure I understand all my options with this complicated situation! I'll be turning 60 next week and trying to figure out what benefits I might qualify for now or in the future. My work history is minimal - I was a caregiver most of my life (raised 4 kids, then became stepmom to 3 more with special needs). Only worked part-time jobs where I earned between $11,000-$19,000 for most years, with just 3 years where I made about $24,000-$31,000. Here's where it gets complicated with marriages: - First marriage: 4 years (divorced decades ago) - Second marriage: 13 years before divorcing (ex is still working, high earner) - Current marriage: Going on 20 years in April, but husband is critically ill on palliative care My current husband has been on SSDI for nearly 4 years and transitions to regular Social Security next month at his FRA. His doctors don't expect him to live long, maybe months. He has minimal benefits because of his work limitations from a severe injury earlier in life. If I understand correctly, I don't qualify for anything right now at 60 except possibly widow's benefits if my current husband passes? Then at 62, I could take early retirement based on my small earnings record, possibly with spousal boost from current husband if he's still living. But here's where I'm confused - if my ex-husband (#2) dies before my current husband, do I wait? And if both pass away, can I eventually switch to the highest survivor benefit between them once I reach FRA? What specific questions should I ask the SSA rep to make sure I understand all my options?
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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.
Social Security SSI increase for 2025 - exact percentage and when it hits accounts?
Anyone know the exact SSI increase percentage for this month? My sister gets SSI and keeps telling me it went up but she doesn't know by how much. I looked online but saw different numbers - is it 3.1% or 3.5%? Also wondering if the increase happens on the same day for everyone or if it depends on when you normally get your payment. Thanks!!
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I'm so confused about all this COLA stuff. I'm on SSDI (not SSI), will I get the same 3.2% increase? And when will it show up? My payment date is January 24th this month.
Yes, you'll receive the same 3.2% COLA increase. Since your payment date is January 24th, that payment will include your increase. SSDI follows the same payment schedule as retirement benefits (based on birth date). The increase is automatic - you don't need to do anything to receive it.
Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I'll let my sister know about the PA state supplement too - she probably doesn't even know about that extra $22. Seems like such a small amount though when everything costs so much these days.
Tell her to check if she qualifies for SNAP benefits too if she hasnt already! My mom gets about $180/month for food on top of her SSI and it helps A LOT. Also worth checking into energy assistance programs in your area!
Will 2025 WEP/GPO Relief Act affect my TRS pension and Social Security survivor benefits?
I've been receiving my husband's Social Security survivor benefits since he passed away 3 years ago. I'm currently working for our local Independent School District and plan to retire next year at 62. I understand that under the Government Pension Offset (GPO), they'll reduce my survivor benefits by 2/3 of my Teacher Retirement System (TRS) pension amount when I start collecting it. I keep hearing about some new legislation that might change the WEP/GPO rules? Does anyone know if this would help my situation? I'm trying to figure out if I should delay my retirement if these rules are changing. My TRS pension will be about $3,750/month and my husband's SS benefit is currently $2,280/month. Really worried about how much I'll actually get to keep!
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What state are you in? Some states have different rules about how their pensions interact with Social Security.
I'm in Texas. From what I understand, Texas TRS is definitely affected by GPO since we don't pay into Social Security while teaching here.
Based on the numbers you've shared, here's what your situation might look like: 1. Your TRS pension will be $3,750/month 2. Your survivor benefit is $2,280/month 3. Your own SS benefit would be about $840/month Under GPO, they would reduce your survivor benefit by $2,500 (2/3 of $3,750), which would eliminate your survivor benefit completely. However, your own SS benefit of $840 would be subject to WEP but not GPO. The WEP reduction is generally less severe than GPO and depends on your years of substantial earnings under Social Security. So your best option might be to take your TRS pension and your own reduced SS benefit rather than the survivor benefit. I'd recommend speaking with an SSA representative who can calculate the exact WEP reduction based on your work history.
Thank you for breaking down the numbers so clearly! That really helps me understand my options better. I'll definitely need to talk to SSA about the specific WEP reduction for my case, but at least now I have a better idea of what to expect and what questions to ask.
Jade O'Malley
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
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Alexis Renard
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.
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Andrew Pinnock
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.
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Harper Thompson
AuthorTHANK 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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