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To the person who asked if Claimyr works - yes, it definitely did for me. After weeks of frustration trying to get through to SSA about my WEP calculation, I was connected in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to pull up my record and give me exact benefit amounts with WEP reductions for ages 62, FRA, and 70. Made my decision so much clearer having the real numbers. For the original poster, having those exact figures from SSA is really valuable for WEP situations since the reductions can vary based on your specific earnings history.
Thanks for confirming that Claimyr works! I'm going to try it tomorrow. I really need to speak with someone who can explain exactly how much my WEP reduction will be at different ages. Getting the actual numbers will help me make this decision with confidence instead of guessing.
my moms friend waited til 70 to get the maximum and said its the best decision she ever made. but she didn't have WEP so idk if that applies to you
The decision calculation is similar with WEP, just with lower overall benefit amounts. The percentage increases for waiting are the same: - Filing 36 months early reduces benefits by about 20% - Each year you delay past FRA increases benefits by 8% So the relative advantage of waiting vs. claiming early is consistent, regardless of whether WEP applies. The key difference is that when your starting amount is lower due to WEP, you need to consider whether the absolute dollar increase (not just the percentage) is worth waiting for.
btw that 73 days felt long to you but my sister waited almost 6 MONTHS for her disability claim (SSDI) to go through. SS retirement is WAY faster than disability. just be thankful you werent applying for that!!
I actually had to adjust all my automatic bill payments when I found out about the payment schedule. Most of my utilities were set to draft on the 5th of each month assuming my SS would arrive on the 1st. Had to change everything to the day after my scheduled payment date. Bit of a hassle but worth it to avoid potential overdrafts.
Since you're turning 63 next month, I want to make sure you understand that you're filing for early retirement benefits. Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is likely 67 depending on your birth year, so filing at 63 means you'll receive approximately 75-80% of your full benefit amount permanently. This reduction applies whether you're collecting on your own record or your ex-spouse's. Just want to make sure you're aware of this since it's a lifetime decision.
If I were you I'd just go INTO THE OFFICE if possible. Phone is useless, online is confusing, but face-to-face they have to help you! Bring ID and all your paperwork.
Don't forget that if you're still working while collecting survivor benefits before FRA, you'll be subject to the earnings test! They'll deduct $1 for every $2 you earn above $22,320 (for 2025). I learned this the HARD WAY and had to pay back thousands!!! Make sure you understand ALL the rules before making any decisions!
Just wanted to add - when you do apply for survivor benefits, bring every document you can think of: marriage certificate, his death certificate, his social security number, birth certificates, etc. I made the mistake of not bringing everything and had to make another appointment. Also request an appointment rather than just showing up at your local office.
Jade O'Malley
One important thing to note: You should receive Form SSA-L9790 every December. This is your annual GPO/WEP notice that shows how your benefits will be calculated for the coming year. It will include your reported pension amount, the 2/3 offset calculation, and the resulting SS benefit amount. This form is your opportunity to verify SSA has the correct pension amount. If there's an error, contact SSA immediately. Filing it away without checking can lead to those overpayment situations others mentioned. You can also check your current calculation anytime in your my Social Security account.
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Caleb Stark
•Thank you for this information! I didn't know about this form - that will be really helpful for tracking how they're calculating everything. I'll make sure to create a my Social Security account too so I can monitor everything online.
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Andrew Pinnock
One more thing - don't assume SSA gets automatic pension updates from your pension system. Some pension systems report regularly to SSA, but many DON'T! In my case, my state teacher retirement system doesn't report to SSA at all. I have to report any pension changes myself by calling SSA or visiting the office. If you don't report increases and SSA finds out later (which they eventually will), you'll face an overpayment situation. They can take your entire SS benefit until it's repaid!
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Caleb Stark
•Thanks for this warning! I'll make sure to report any pension changes myself. My state teachers' retirement system might be the same way. Better safe than sorry with these things.
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