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To clarify for everyone in this thread: 1. The earnings test is based on age, not benefit type 2. Once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings test no longer applies regardless of benefit type 3. The monthly earnings test only applies in the calendar year you first become entitled to benefits 4. Switching from one benefit type to another doesn't trigger a new application of the monthly test Since the original poster is reaching FRA in August 2025, they need to be concerned about the earnings test for January-July only. After that, they can earn unlimited amounts without affecting either benefit type.
This SHOULD be correct but my experience proves SSA doesn't always FOLLOW their own rules!! The system sometimes applies annual limits even when it shouldn't. OP better document EVERYTHING and keep records of all conversations!!!
just wanted to say thanks for asking this question, im in almost same situation but switching in october. this thread is really helpful
You're welcome! It's been so confusing trying to get straight answers. I think I'm finally understanding it now - once I hit FRA in August, the earnings test disappears completely regardless of which benefit I'm receiving. Good luck with your October switch!
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I had this exact same problem last year - needed to know the new amount for budgeting but couldn't get through on the phone to ask anyone. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a real agent in about 15 minutes who told me my new amount before it showed online. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me hours of frustration with the busy signals and disconnects.
Does that actually work? I've been trying to get through about my missing COLA letter for days!
Yep! Way better than dealing with the constant busy signals. I was skeptical too but it connected me right away.
I just checked my mailbox today and got my COLA notice! So for anyone wondering, mine came on November 24th. The website still hasn't updated yet though. The increase was a bit less than I expected based on the announced percentage...guess that's because of Medicare premium increases?
Yes, if you have Medicare Part B premiums deducted from your Social Security payment, the premium increase for 2025 will offset some of your COLA increase. The standard Part B premium went up by $12.40 this year, which will reduce the net increase you see in your monthly payment. Your COLA notice should break down both the COLA increase and the Medicare premium adjustment.
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My situation was similar but I had a completely different outcome. My husband died, I got survivors benefits, kept working, had some reductions. I'm thinking the rules must have changed recently? Because when I switched to my own benefit two years ago, they did some kind of adjustment. Maybe talk to a different SSA person?
What likely happened in your case is that you were receiving reduced retirement benefits along with survivor benefits (this happens in some situations), rather than survivor benefits alone. When retirement benefits are reduced due to the earnings test, there is indeed a recalculation at FRA to account for those months. Survivor benefits don't get this same treatment when you switch to retirement. It's a common area of confusion even among some SSA representatives.
Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I'm going to schedule my appointment to file for retirement benefits soon, and I'll make sure to check my earnings record carefully beforehand. It's disappointing about not getting those deductions back, but at least now I understand how it works and won't be surprised. I appreciate all your insights!
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Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses! I've made a list of questions based on your suggestions. One more thing - has anyone dealt with the lump sum retroactive payment? If I take the 6 months retroactive benefits, does that permanently reduce my monthly amount as if I had filed 6 months earlier? Or do I still get my full FRA amount going forward?
Yes, this is important to understand! If you take the 6 months of retroactive benefits, your monthly benefit amount WILL be permanently calculated as if you filed 6 months before your FRA. This means your monthly payment would be approximately 3.3% lower than your full FRA benefit amount for the rest of your life. Whether this makes financial sense depends on your life expectancy and immediate need for funds. If you need a lump sum now, it might be worth it. If you're in good health and expect to live a long time, it might be better to forego the retroactive benefits and take the higher monthly amount.
when i had my call they rushed me through everything and i forgot half my questions! write everything down ahead of time and dont let them rush you. if you have a spouse definitely mention that because they might not ask. good luck!!
Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely write everything down and make sure to mention my wife's situation.
Norman Fraser
My aunt had almost the exact same situation!!! She worked for the county for 22 years and was married 15 years before divorcing. She thought she'd get half her ex's benefit but ended up with almost nothing because of GPO. It's so unfair that government workers get penalized like this!
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Fernanda Marquez
•the whole system is RIGGED against public servants who already make less than private sector! my brother worked for USPS for 31 years and got hit with WEP even though he had plenty of SS credits too. complete SCAM if you ask me.
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Aidan Percy
One additional point - even if your ex-spouse benefit is completely offset by GPO now, you should still file and establish eligibility. If your situation changes in the future (like if your pension amount changes), you might become eligible for some amount. Also, survivor benefits (if your ex passes away) are calculated differently - they're 100% of what your ex received rather than 50%, so you might qualify for survivor benefits in the future even if you don't qualify for spousal benefits now. Just be sure to bring as much documentation as possible when you apply: marriage certificate, divorce decree, information about your government pension, your birth certificate, and Social Security numbers for both you and your ex-spouse (if you have it).
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Axel Bourke
•That's really helpful advice about filing anyway. I didn't realize the survivor benefits would be calculated differently - that's important to know for future planning. I have most of that documentation already except maybe his current SS number. Can they look that up based on his name and DOB if we've been divorced for several years?
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Aidan Percy
•Yes, SSA should be able to locate your ex-spouse's record with his name, date of birth, and other identifying information like his parents' names if you know them. Having his SSN makes the process faster, but it's not absolutely required in divorced spouse cases. The important thing is your marriage certificate and divorce decree that proves the marriage lasted over 10 years.
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