you should try calling right when they open at 8am, thats how i finally got thru

Just an update on the rules here since there seems to be some confusion: 1. Social Security benefits are not payable for the month of death, regardless of what day the person died. This is federal law. 2. The 1099-SSA (or SSA-1099) should only show benefits that were actually received and not reclaimed. If a payment was taken back, it should not appear on the form. 3. SSA can issue a corrected 1099-SSA, but you need to specifically request this correction. It won't always happen automatically. 4. The fastest resolution is usually through an in-person appointment at your local SSA office, bringing documentation of the reclaimed payment. 5. The survivor (spouse) may be eligible for a one-time death benefit of $255 and possibly ongoing survivor benefits, which is a separate issue from the reclaimed payment.

To clarify some information here: As a disabled surviving divorced spouse, you're eligible since your marriage lasted over 10 years. The benefit calculation will work like this: 1. SSA will calculate your ex-husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) 2. As a disabled widow, you'll receive 71.5% of his PIA if you claim now at age 56 3. This percentage reduction is permanent (unless you switch to retirement benefits later) 4. SSA will compare this amount to your current SSDI 5. You'll receive the higher of the two amounts Since you're already receiving SSDI, there's no 5-month waiting period for survivor benefits. Any increase will be effective from your application date (or up to 6 months retroactively if you request it). Your Medicare will continue unaffected. When you turn full retirement age (FRA), you may want to reassess which benefit to take, as the reduction for early claiming no longer applies at that point.

just wondering did your ex have any kids? my friend told me that can affect the benefit amounts too something about family maximum

my dad got hung up on twice last month trying to deal with his GPO situation its like they dont want to help csrs people

To update on your specific question - yes, most SSA offices will help you with a walk-in, but be prepared for significant wait times. For establishing a protective filing date related to WEP/GPO specifically, I recommend: 1. Bring your CSRS pension documentation 2. Bring both your and your wife's SS cards and IDs 3. Have a simple written statement explaining you want to establish a protective filing date for spousal benefits in anticipation of potential legislative changes 4. Arrive first thing in the morning (ideally 30+ minutes before opening) 5. Be polite but firm about needing written documentation of the protective filing date Also, your wife does need to be present since it's her benefit application. The current GPO reduction is significant with CSRS pensions, so be prepared for them to try to discourage filing, but stand firm on establishing that date regardless.

Quick update on what I said earlier - I just remembered something important. If you're really close to the appeal deadline and still don't have the medical records situation sorted out, you can request an extension of time for the appeal. Submit form SSA-795 (Statement of Claimant) and specifically request additional time due to difficulties obtaining medical evidence and representation issues. While extensions aren't automatically granted, they're often approved when there are legitimate obstacles like what you're experiencing. Also, when you go to the SSA office, ask specifically for a Technical Expert (TE) as they have more authority to help with complex situations than the regular Claims Representatives.

You can request one when you arrive, but it might help to call ahead (if you can get through) and specifically ask for an appointment with a Technical Expert for a complex disability appeal situation. TEs usually don't work the front desk, so they need to know in advance that their expertise is needed.

good point about taxes! up to 85% of SS can be taxable if your combined income is high enough

Thank you everyone for all these helpful responses! I've learned so much. Based on what I'm hearing, it makes the most sense for me to claim at my FRA since delaying won't increase my total benefit beyond the 50% spousal benefit cap. And it's good to know that my husband delaying until 70 will increase the survivor benefit I'd receive if he passes away first.I appreciate all of you taking the time to explain this to me with actual numbers!