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Calculating future CMFB Social Security benefits with deceased spouse and DAC children
I'm trying to plan ahead for retirement but struggling to understand how the Combined Maximum Family Benefit (CMFB) works in my situation. My husband passed away 2 years ago and had a Full Retirement Age benefit of $2,700. I'll reach my FRA in about 4 years with an estimated benefit of $1,200. We have two adult disabled children receiving Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits on my late husband's record. How will the family maximum work in my situation? Will my survivor benefits be reduced because of the DAC payments? Should I take my own retirement early or wait until FRA? Trying to make smart decisions but all these calculations are making my head spin!
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Social Security GPO 2/3 pension offset calculation - is the base year fixed forever?
I'm trying to understand how the Government Pension Offset (GPO) works long-term. My husband just passed away last month, and I'll be eligible for survivor benefits, but I also receive a teacher's pension from a job where I didn't pay into Social Security. From what I've read, the GPO will reduce my survivor benefits by 2/3 of my pension amount. What I can't figure out is whether the GPO calculation is based on my pension amount when I FIRST apply for survivor benefits, or if it changes yearly as my pension amount changes due to COLAs? For example, if my monthly pension is $3,800 when I apply, is the offset always going to be 2/3 of $3,800 (about $2,533)? Or will SSA recalculate the offset amount every year when my pension gets a COLA increase? I need to plan my budget carefully and this makes a big difference in what I can expect long-term. Anyone dealt with this before?
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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.
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.
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!
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.
Should I take Social Security at 64 with WEP penalty or wait until FRA? Spouse benefits not an option
I'm trying to decide whether to start my Social Security retirement benefits now at 64 or wait until my full retirement age (67). My situation is complicated because I'm affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) due to my 22 years working as a teacher with a pension in Texas. I've also worked enough in Social Security covered jobs to qualify for benefits, but they'll be reduced by WEP. I've been told I won't be eligible for spousal benefits from my husband's record at all because of my pension. He's 66 and already taking his benefits (about $2,450/month). Our financial advisor says I should wait, but I'm tempted to just take the smaller amount now. My estimated benefit at 64 would be around $980/month after WEP reduction, and at 67 it would be about $1,250/month. Is that 3-year difference really worth waiting for? What factors should I consider? My health is good but my mother died young, so longevity is uncertain in my family. Any advice from others who've dealt with WEP and this decision?
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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.
Social Security flagged nonexistent income and missing ex-spouse's SSN - will my application be delayed?
I submitted my SS retirement application online last week and now I'm freaking out! The system flagged me for 'unreported income' during my review, but I literally had NO income last year after closing my small business. I don't understand why this happened or what I need to do. Also, I mentioned on my application that I was married for 13 years to my ex (we divorced in 2012), but I couldn't remember his social security number. The system marked both these items with red flags. Will these issues delay my benefits? I'm turning 63 next month and really counting on getting my first payment by then. Has anyone dealt with these flags before? Should I be calling SSA or just wait it out?
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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.
Yes, I know about the reduction. I've done the calculations and with my health issues and current financial situation, taking reduced benefits now makes more sense for me than waiting. I appreciate your concern though!
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.
That's a good idea. I'll check if my local office takes appointments or if it's walk-in only. Sometimes talking to a real person is the best approach.
Can I switch from survivor SSDI to my own benefits at Full Retirement Age?
My husband passed away 8 months ago (still feels surreal typing that). I'm 58 and considering applying for SSDI benefits on his work record, since his earnings were much higher than mine. I heard from a friend that I might be able to collect on his record now and then switch to my own Social Security at my full retirement age if that would be higher? Is that even possible? I'm so confused about how survivor benefits work with disability. Would applying now affect what I can get later? Really appreciate any help... the SSA website makes my head spin.
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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!
Oh wow, I hadn't even thought about that. I'm still working full-time and make about $48,000 a year. Sounds like I need to factor that in when deciding when to apply. Thank you for the warning!
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.
That's great practical advice. I have most of those documents already gathered for other paperwork after his passing. I'll double-check I have everything before making an appointment.
Diego Flores
I think ur misunderstanding how this works. If ur kids r on SSDI from their dad then u can still get full survivors without being affected by the maximum. My neighbor's situation is like this and she gets the full amount. The max only applies to minor kids not disabled adults I'm pretty sure.
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Ravi Patel
That's incorrect. The Combined Maximum Family Benefit (CMFB) does apply to Disabled Adult Child (DAC) beneficiaries. In fact, DAC beneficiaries are included in the same family maximum calculation as minor children and surviving spouses. The difference is that DAC benefits can continue indefinitely as long as the person remains disabled, whereas benefits for minor children typically end at age 18 (or 19 if still in high school). The family maximum is typically between 150% to 180% of the deceased worker's Primary Insurance Amount, depending on the specific benefit calculation. All auxiliary beneficiaries (including DAC recipients and surviving spouses) may be subject to proportional reductions if the total family benefits exceed this maximum.
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Freya Andersen
Im confused about something... you said ur reaching FRA in 4 years but ur husband already died. Are you not getting any social security now? Shouldnt you be getting survivors benefits already? Or are you still working?
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Malik Jackson
AuthorSorry, I should have been clearer. Yes, I'm still working full-time. I'm 63 now and planning to work until at least 66, which would be my FRA. I haven't applied for any benefits yet because I thought working full-time would make me ineligible or significantly reduce any benefits. Should I be getting something now even while working?
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