Social Security Administration
CommunityGovernment Services
Can't reach Social Security Administration? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the SSA
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the SSA drops your call
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Social Security break-even calculation confusing - zeros on record from govt pension job affecting my SS benefits?
I've been struggling with the break-even calculation for claiming Social Security. I'm turning 67 next month and still haven't filed because I wasn't sure if waiting until 70 makes financial sense. After calculating based on an estimated lifespan of 82, it seems I might actually LOSE money by waiting until 70. My situation is a bit complicated: - Worked in the private sector for 32 years paying into SS - For the last 6 years, I've been at a government job with their own pension system - My current salary is the highest I've ever earned ($87,500/year) - My SS statements show $0.00 earnings for these government job years My questions: 1. Will these zeros on my record lower my monthly SS benefit amount? 2. Since I'm paying into a government pension instead of SS now, will my SS benefit amount ever increase from what it shows now? 3. Should I file for SS now at 67 or still wait until 70? I'm concerned I might be missing something important in my calculations. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation with government pension + Social Security?
Join the conversation
Can I reapply for SSDI with progressive disease within 5-year window without returning to work?
I've been dealing with multiple sclerosis for about 3 years now, and it's getting worse. I applied for SSDI last year but was denied - something about 'not meeting the listing requirements' even though I included all my medical records. My neurologist says my condition is definitely deteriorating faster than expected. I know there's that 5-year window where your work credits still count, and I'm definitely still in that timeframe (stopped working completely about 18 months ago). My question is: can I submit a new SSDI application based on my worsening condition, or do I HAVE to go back to work before applying again? I physically can't work anymore, and I'm really confused about what to do next. The denial letter mentioned appeals but I missed that deadline because I was in the hospital with an MS flare-up. Any advice would be really appreciated!
Join the conversation
theres a place on the application where it asks if u applied before so u have to say yes
Thanks for mentioning this - I was wondering about that. I'll definitely answer honestly about my previous application. I'm just hoping they'll focus more on how my condition has changed rather than just seeing the previous denial.
Has anyone here successfully gotten approved after being initially denied for MS specifically? I'm curious how long it took and what evidence made the difference. My sister's facing a similar situation with her SSDI application for MS.
While I can't speak to MS specifically, I've seen many clients with progressive neurological conditions succeed on subsequent applications. The key differences in successful cases typically include: 1. More detailed functional assessments (not just diagnosis but specific limitations) 2. RFC forms completed by specialists (Residual Functional Capacity) 3. Evidence of failed work attempts or work accommodations that weren't sufficient 4. Documentation of cognitive impacts, not just physical limitations 5. Testimony from caregivers about assistance needed with daily activities The SSA Blue Book listing for MS (11.09) requires evidence of significant and persistent disorganization of motor function, significant fatigue, or cognitive limitations - having documentation that specifically addresses these areas is crucial.
Can my wife switch from her early SS retirement to spousal benefits when I file at 70?
My situation is getting complicated and I need some clarity. My wife started collecting her Social Security benefits at 62 about 2 years ago. She's only getting around $1,100 a month because she took it early and didn't have many working years. I'm 68 now and planning to wait until 70 to maximize my benefit, which should be around $3,600 based on the SSA estimates. Here's what I'm wondering - once I start collecting at 70, can my wife drop her smaller benefit and switch to taking half of mine instead? Would that give her more monthly income? Does she need to do anything special to make this switch? I've heard conflicting things from friends about how spousal benefits work when you've already filed for your own.
Join the conversation
My friend just went thru this. Her benefit went up when hubby filed but not by as much as she thought. They take your wifes FRA benefit subtract it from half of your FRA benefit. If thats a positive number she gets an addition. If its negative she just keeps hers. Thats my understanding anyways.
That's partially correct. The calculation is more complex when someone has filed early. When your wife took benefits at 62, she accepted a permanent reduction. When calculating potential spousal benefits, SSA will compare her reduced benefit to her potential reduced spousal benefit (which is less than 50% of his PIA because she took benefits early). She'll receive whichever amount is higher, not an addition of the two.
I appreciate all the responses. This is much more complicated than I thought! So basically, since my wife took her benefit early at 62, she'll always have some kind of reduction applied, and the best we can hope for is that she might get some additional amount on top of her current benefit if half of my FRA amount (reduced for her early filing) is more than what she gets now. I think I'll need to talk directly with SSA to get exact numbers. Really wish they made this clearer on their website.
That's exactly right! And don't feel bad - almost NOBODY understands how this works until they're in the middle of it. Even some SSA reps get confused about the details. If you do talk to them, make sure to ask specifically for the spousal benefit calculation with the early retirement reduction factor applied. Good luck!
Should I claim widow benefits at 64 if SS checks would be withheld due to earnings limit?
I'm trying to help my sister figure out her Social Security strategy. She's 64, widowed, and still working (earning about $50k/year). Her full retirement age is 67, but she plans to retire at 65.Here's what's confusing us: If she claims survivor benefits now, she'll likely hit the earnings limit and have some or all of those benefits withheld. I've heard that when benefits are withheld due to earnings, they're somehow 'credited back' later.Would it actually be smart for her to file for survivor benefits now, even if most gets withheld? Would those withheld benefits somehow increase her future monthly payments once she's below the earnings limit? Or should she just wait until she retires at 65 to claim anything?I'm particularly wondering if claiming survivor benefits now and having them withheld would somehow result in higher overall lifetime benefits compared to just waiting a year. Anyone dealt with this situation before?
Join the conversation
I forgot 2 mention that if your sister already submitted her Rrequiest for benefits & wants to change her mind, she only has 12 MONTHS to withdraw the application and it REQUIRES PAYING BACK any benefits she recieved!!! Important to know this before she does anything!!!
Good point about the 12-month withdrawal window. However, in this specific scenario with earnings limit withholding, she might not receive any benefits to pay back if her earnings are high enough to cause 100% withholding. But you're absolutely right that understanding the withdrawal rules is critical before making any filing decision.
Applying for Social Security at FRA - What documents needed for veteran's phone application?
I'm reaching my Full Retirement Age (FRA) in August 2025 and planning to start my Social Security benefits in December. I called SSA last week to get some information, and they told me I should apply about 3 months before I want benefits to begin. They mentioned I could do the whole application by phone - they'll call me back so I don't have to wait on hold forever. My question is about what documents I'll need ready when they call. I'm a veteran (Navy, 1975-1981), so I assume I'll need my DD-214. Will they ask about my current job? I'm still working at Westside Manufacturing where I've been since 2003, and I plan to continue part-time. I understand that once I hit FRA, I can earn up to about $62K annually without any benefit reduction. Also, will they ask about tax withholding preferences during the phone application? I'm filing as single, so wondering if I need to decide ahead of time whether I want federal taxes withheld from my SS checks. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who's gone through this process recently. Thanks in advance!
Join the conversation
Thanks everyone for the helpful replies! I'm going to gather my DD-214, recent W-2s, and tax returns from the last few years. I'll also prepare a list of my employers for the past 15 years and make sure my bank account info is handy for direct deposit. I'm a bit worried about the phone system issues some of you mentioned. I might try the online application instead, but I have a few complicated questions about my pension that I was hoping to discuss with a representative. I'll definitely get confirmation numbers and names for everyone I speak with. And I'll decide on the tax withholding beforehand - probably going with 10% federal withholding to be safe.
If you have pension questions, specifically ask for a claims specialist rather than a general representative. They have more technical knowledge about how pensions interact with Social Security benefits, especially if you're potentially subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO).
Just thought of something else - if you're planning to continue working, make sure you understand how your earnings might increase your future benefit amount. Even after you start receiving benefits, SSA will automatically recalculate your benefit amount annually if your recent earnings are higher than one of the 35 highest years used in your original calculation. And since you mentioned being a veteran, be sure to check with the VA about any additional benefits you might qualify for. Many veterans don't realize there are pension benefits available through the VA that are separate from Social Security.
I hadn't thought about the recalculation aspect! That's encouraging since I'll be replacing some lower-earning years from the 1980s with my current higher salary. And good point about the VA benefits - I'll look into that separately.
Elin Robinson
Regarding your most recent question: SSA should have all your earnings history in their system. When you apply, make sure to mention you have a government pension (or will have one) AND that you believe you have 30+ years of substantial covered earnings under Social Security. They should calculate everything correctly, but it doesn't hurt to specifically bring it up. Based on everything you've shared: 1. With 32 years of substantial earnings, you might escape WEP reductions entirely 2. Given your break-even calculation and life expectancy estimate of 82, claiming at 67 is reasonable 3. The zeros on your record from recent years won't negatively impact your benefit (they just don't help increase it) I recommend applying soon if you've done your calculations carefully. Each month you wait past FRA increases your benefit by about 0.67%, but if your break-even math shows claiming now makes sense, then follow your analysis.
0 coins
Juan Moreno
AuthorThank you so much for this thorough advice! I think I'm going to go ahead and file next month when I turn 67. I've been so confused about this decision for months, but I feel much more confident now. I'll definitely mention both the government pension and my 32 years of substantial earnings when I apply.
0 coins
Esteban Tate
Don't forget about taxes! If your pension + SS puts you in a higher tax bracket, part of your SS benefits might be taxable. Up to 85% of SS can be taxed depending on your combined income. Did you factor that into your break-even analysis?
0 coins
Alice Pierce
this is such a good point!! i totally forgot about taxes in my calculations and got a nasty surprise at tax time last year. now i have to make quarterly estimated payments which is a huge pain
0 coins