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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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Has anyone tried the online application for survivor benefits? The SSA website says you can apply online but when I tried for my mom it kept giving errors. wondering if thats another option for OP besides going in person?
While SSA does offer online services for many things, initial applications for survivor benefits typically require either a phone interview or in-person visit. This is because they need to verify several items that can't be easily confirmed online. The "errors" you encountered were likely the system recognizing this was a survivor claim that needed personal attention. For retirement benefits, the online system works quite well, but survivor benefits have more complex eligibility factors.
Update: I went to the office today and got there at 6:45am - there were already 8 people in line! But I did get in during the first group. The process took about 2 hours total, but I'm now officially applied for survivor benefits! The representative confirmed I was absolutely eligible at age 60 (that phone rep was completely wrong). She said I should see my first payment in about 3-4 weeks, and it will include any back benefits from my filing date. The amount was close to what I expected - $1,790 per month. Not as much as I'd get if I waited until FRA, but it will keep a roof over my head right now. Thanks everyone for your advice. Going in person was definitely the right move.
So glad it worked out for you! That's almost exactly how my experience went too. And yes, sometimes taking the reduced amount early is the right financial decision when you need the income now. You made the right choice for your situation.
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Make sure they check if your ex has multiple exes filing on his record! Many people don't realize there's no 'family maximum' for divorced spouse benefits - each eligible ex-spouse can receive benefits without reducing the others. But it DOES affect survivor benefits later, which is something to keep in mind for future planning.
whaaaaat?? i didnt know that! i was worried about my ex's new wife affecting my benefit amount. good to know!
On your call, request a complete breakdown of your benefit calculation in writing. SSA should send you an award letter after your claim is processed, but it doesn't always show the detailed math. Specifically ask for: 1. Your PIA based on your own work record 2. The spousal benefit amount you're eligible for (up to 50% of ex's PIA) 3. The excess amount (the difference between #2 and #1) 4. How continuing to work might change these calculations Keep detailed notes during your call - write down the name and direct extension of anyone helpful that you speak with. If you need clarification later, it's much easier if you can get back to the same person rather than explaining everything to someone new. Also, while your current earnings won't reduce benefits at FRA, they could potentially increase your own PIA if these are high-earning years for you, which might reduce the spousal excess portion (though your total would remain the same or increase).
This is really thorough, thank you! I'll definitely ask for everything in writing and keep careful notes. My current salary is actually higher than many of my earlier working years, so it sounds like continuing to work might actually increase my own PIA over time. I'll make sure to ask about how that could impact the calculations going forward.
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One more thing - if your husband worked this year already before passing, make sure to bring his final paystubs. Sometimes the earnings for the current year haven't been reported to SSA yet and that could affect your benefit amount. They calculated my mom's benefit wrong initially because they didn't have my dad's last 3 months of work.
yes this happend to me too!!!! they missed almost $6000 of my wifes income and i had to go back a second time to fix it
Regarding your age - just to clarify since there seems to be some confusion in comments. For survivor benefits, you can claim as early as age 60 (50 if disabled), but with maximum reduction. At 61 and 10 months (when you'll be 62), you'll still have a reduction but not as severe as taking them exactly at 61. If you need the money now, don't let people make you feel bad about claiming early. That's exactly why the option exists.
Thank you for this reassurance. Yes, I need to claim now despite the reduction. It's good to know I'm not the only one who's had to make this decision.
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I don't have advice but I'm in a similar situation. Turned 65 last month and just got laid off after 20 years with the same company. So confusing trying to figure out Medicare + Social Security + job hunting all at the same time. It's overwhelming!!! I'm leaning toward taking SS now because honestly who knows what will happen with the program in the future? Bird in hand and all that...
For someone just turning 65, you face even more complicated timing decisions with Medicare. Remember that even if you delay Social Security, you should still sign up for Medicare at 65 to avoid late enrollment penalties. You can enroll in Medicare without starting your Social Security benefits.
After reading all the comments, here's what I'd suggest based on my own experience and financial background: 1. File for benefits now to preserve your savings 2. Continue looking for work (remember, at FRA there's no earnings limit) 3. If you find work within 12 months, consider the withdrawal option if it makes financial sense 4. If your savings are in growth investments, definitely lean toward taking SS now to avoid selling investments in a down market The peace of mind of regular income shouldn't be underestimated either. Retirement is supposed to be a time of reduced stress, not increased anxiety about finances.
Thank you for this thoughtful summary. I think I'm leaning toward filing now, continuing my job search, and keeping the withdrawal option in my back pocket if I find something soon. That flexibility seems like the best approach given all the uncertainty.
Seraphina Delan
There's a special provision for divorced spouses - you can actually receive benefits on your ex's record if you've been divorced for at least two years, even if he hasn't filed yet, as long as he's eligible (62+). This is called the two-year divorce rule or "independently entitled divorced spouse" provision. Since he's 66 and eligible, you should be able to get your benefits regardless of whether he's filed yet. When you contact SSA, specifically mention this provision if they try to tell you that you have to wait for him to file. Not all representatives are familiar with this rule.
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Nia Watson
•this is why the system is so broken!!! even their own employees dont know all the rules and give wrong info all the time!! my cousin was told 3 different things by 3 different people at SSA about widow benefits!!
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Niko Ramsey
Thank you all for the helpful information! I'm going to try the Claimyr service tomorrow to actually get through to someone. Then I'll specifically ask about the "independently entitled divorced spouse" provision since we've been divorced for 7 years. I'll also look into emergency assistance through my county as a backup plan. Will update here if I make any progress. Fingers crossed I can get this resolved before the alimony stops!
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Jabari-Jo
•Good plan. One last tip - when you do speak with SSA, ask them to make a note in your file about your financial hardship due to the alimony ending. While they don't have an official "expedite" process, files with documented hardship sometimes get prioritized. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!
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