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Does anybody know if this impacts the earnings test? I'm 63 getting SS but still teaching part-time and they take back some of my benefits whenever I make over the limit. SOOOO FRUSTRATING!!!!
That's a different issue than what the original poster was asking about. The earnings test is separate from WEP/GPO. If you're under Full Retirement Age (66-67 depending on birth year) and still working, SSA reduces benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above the annual limit ($22,320 in 2025 for those under FRA). Once you reach FRA, there's no more earnings test.
Update: I finally spoke with someone at Social Security. They confirmed there haven't been any changes to the GPO rules that would affect my situation. The agent explained that any legislation would need to specifically address retroactive changes to current beneficiaries like me. She suggested I check the SSA website every few months for updates or sign up for their email newsletter. Thanks everyone for your helpful responses!
Wait I'm confused - I thought the new WEP/GPO bill didn't pass?? Did I miss something? Last I heard they were still debating it??
The WEP/GPO reform was included in the recent tax package legislation that passed Congress and is now awaiting the President's signature - that's what the original poster is referring to. It hasn't been signed into law yet, but it has passed both the House and Senate as part of the larger bill. The provisions would gradually phase out the penalties rather than eliminate them immediately.
Thank you all for the helpful information! This community has explained things better than hours of reading confusing government websites. I'm cautiously optimistic about the legislation but will wait to see the final details before getting too excited. I'll gather our records as suggested and be prepared to speak with SSA once the changes are official. And I'll definitely check out Claimyr when it's time to call - sounds much better than spending days on hold!
Anyone else notice how IMPOSSIBLE it is to get accurate info from SSA??? Every time I call I get different answers! One person says they'll take 10%, another says they'll take it all at once, another says I need to fill out forms... it's exhausting! I've had my SSDI on hold twice and both times it caused me so much stress I ended up in the ER!
To follow up on what others have said, you should submit Form SSA-634 (Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate) if the standard 10% would cause you financial hardship. You'll need to provide your monthly income and expenses to justify a lower rate. When you talk to SSA, be sure to ask them to explain why your account shows "on hold" - sometimes this is just an automated status during processing, but other times it could indicate they need additional information from you before releasing your payment. Also, since your overpayment was from work income, ask if you qualify for an "unsuccessful work attempt" provision, which might actually reduce or eliminate the overpayment amount entirely if your work lasted less than 6 months and ended due to your disability.
so sorry about ur son thats really tough. when we adopted our grandkids they told us we HAD to switch them to our benefits and we lost like $400 a month for each kid. later found out that wasnt true at all!! make sure u tell them specifically u just need to report the adoption but want to keep the kids on survivor benefits!!!!!
This is unfortunately a common misunderstanding, even among some SSA employees. The adoption doesn't require a benefit type change. If you have documentation showing they were receiving higher benefits before, you might want to request a reconsideration of that determination - you may be entitled to back payments for the difference.
Just wondering - how old are you and your wife? If either of you are under Full Retirement Age and earn income, it could affect family benefits on your record (another reason to keep them on survivor benefits).
Nia Thompson
THE SSA MAKES SO MANY MISTAKES!! My neighbor lost 4 months of benefits bcuz they didn't record her call properly! DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and don't trust what they tell you on the phone!!!!
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Mateo Rodriguez
•That's absolutely terrifying. It makes me wonder how many people are silently losing benefits they're entitled to because they don't know how to navigate this system. I'm getting really worried about my own filing now.
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Luca Esposito
Just to add some reassurance: while documentation is definitely important, the SSA does generally honor protective filing dates even if there's a scheduling delay. The system is designed to protect claimants' rights to benefits from first contact. One additional tip: if your sister wants to be extra cautious, she can start (but not necessarily complete) the online application process. This creates a definitive electronic record of intent to file with a timestamp, which can serve as backup documentation for her protective filing date.
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GalaxyGuardian
•This is good advice, but my experience shows it's not 100% reliable. I started an online application AND called, and they still initially claimed to have no record of my intent to file. It took multiple calls and escalation to a supervisor to get it resolved. The system is overwhelmed right now, and mistakes happen more than they should. Belt and suspenders approach is definitely warranted.
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