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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.
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!
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.
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.
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
•Sorry, 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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