

Ask the community...
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.
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.
Has anyone here successfully appealed an SSA calculation? We're considering it because we still think there's an error in how they calculated our benefits with GPO and early filing reductions. The amounts just don't add up no matter how we do the math.
I requested a reconsideration of my benefit calculation last year. It took about 4 months to process, but they did find an error and adjusted my payment. The key was having all my documentation organized and being very specific about what I thought was wrong with the calculation. In my case, they had used the wrong pension amount for my GPO reduction. Definitely worth trying if you think there's a mistake.
One other factor to consider: if your wife's FRA is 67 (born in 1960 or later), filing at 62 means a 30% reduction to benefits. But the spousal benefit reduction is actually calculated differently and can be higher - up to 35% if claimed at 62. So the full calculation is: 1. Take 50% of your PIA 2. Subtract 2/3 of her non-covered pension (GPO) 3. Apply the appropriate early filing reduction percentage based on her age when she filed 4. Factor in any COLA adjustments between her filing date and when spousal benefits began It's one of the most complex calculations in the Social Security system, and unfortunately, not all SSA representatives fully understand it. If you get your questions answered by someone knowledgeable, please share what you learn - it would help others in similar situations!
I will definitely update once we get this resolved! You're right that her FRA is 67 (born in 1962), so the reduction is substantial. Between GPO and early filing, it's taking a huge chunk of the potential spousal benefit. I appreciate everyone's insights - this community has already been more helpful than hours on the phone with SSA.
OH WAIT!! Totally forgot to mention - at some point during the online application it's going to ask you questions that seem repetitive about your work history. Don't skip these! My husband did and it delayed his application by weeks because they had to call him to verify information he could have just entered online. And a quick question for others on this thread - does accepting SS retirement benefits affect the potential survivor benefits my spouse would receive if I pass away first? We haven't been able to get a straight answer on this.
Thanks for mentioning the work history section - that's definitely important to complete carefully. Regarding survivor benefits: Your spouse's survivor benefit would be based on your benefit amount at the time of your death. So by waiting until 69 to claim (past your FRA), you've already increased any potential survivor benefit your spouse would receive. Claiming now versus waiting longer only affects future accrual of delayed retirement credits that would further increase both your benefit and any survivor benefit.
are u sure u shud file online?? my cousin did that and his application got lost for 3 months!! he had to start over in person. just sayin maybe go to the office if u can
Online applications rarely get truly "lost" - more likely there was missing information that required follow-up. The online system is actually quite reliable now, especially for straightforward retirement claims. In-person appointments currently have a 3-4 month waitlist in most offices, so online is generally the fastest option for retirement benefits.
Emma Olsen
my neighbor got survivors benefits and worked part time and it reduced her check because she was under FRA. theres an earnings limit around $19000 i think? just something to know if you're still working
0 coins
Makayla Shoemaker
•That's correct. For 2025, if you're under your FRA and receiving any Social Security benefits (including survivor benefits), the annual earnings limit is $22,680. SSA deducts $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. Once you reach FRA, there's no earnings limit.
0 coins
Christian Bierman
Just a tip - when you apply for survivor benefits, they'll ask about your marriage date since it had to be at least 9 months to qualify (with some exceptions). You said you're just short of 32 years, so that's WAY more than enough, but be prepared with the exact date. They're STICKLERS for documentation so bring extra copies of everything!
0 coins
Mason Stone
•I have our marriage certificate ready! Thanks for the reminder about documentation. I'll bring extra copies of everything just to be safe.
0 coins