my wife's friend said if you work after getting benefits they can make you pay some back if you earn too much??

Thanks everyone for the helpful answers! I feel much better knowing the money isn't just disappearing. I'll watch for any potential increase around October, though I won't expect much since his current job pays way less than his career. And definitely appreciate the warning about tax implications - we'll talk to our tax person to avoid surprises!

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.

One important thing to mention regarding EDS and related conditions - these can be tricky cases because symptoms can vary in severity day to day. Make sure your son's medical records capture this variability rather than just how he presents on "good days." A symptom diary documenting day-to-day limitations can be extremely helpful evidence. Have him track things like: - Pain levels throughout the day - Activities attempted and whether he could complete them - Hours spent resting/recovering after activities - Medication side effects - Episodes of dizziness, fatigue, joint dislocations, etc. This kind of documentation can be powerful when combined with medical records, especially for conditions with invisible symptoms that might not be obvious during brief medical appointments.

A simple journal is fine, but I recommend creating a consistent format that includes: 1. Date and time 2. Symptom/limitation description 3. Severity rating (1-10) 4. Duration 5. What helped (if anything) 6. What activities were impacted This format makes it easier for SSA to connect symptoms to specific functional limitations that would prevent work. For example, instead of just "I was dizzy today," entries like "Severe dizziness (8/10) when standing for more than 5 minutes; had to lie down for 2 hours afterward; couldn't prepare meals or shower" provide the functional details SSA needs. Also, make sure your son is seeing his doctors regularly throughout this process. Gaps in treatment can be used against your case, even when those gaps occur because he's too ill to get to appointments.

random question but does anyone know if this works the same way if the husband took SS early and the wife waits till FRA? my parents situation is opposite of yours

Yes, the rules work exactly the same regardless of which spouse files early. The early filer gets their own reduced benefit, and then when the other spouse files, the early filer may get a top-up if 50% of the second filer's PIA (reduced for the early filing penalty) exceeds their own benefit amount.

DONT FORGET ABOUT TAXES!!!!! Even if you stay under the earnings limit, you might still have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits if your combined income is high enough. Up to 85% of your benefits can be taxable depending on your total income. Nobody warned me about this and I got hit with a surprise tax bill my first year on SS. 😡

When I retired last year the SSA rep told me something that helped me understand this: think of the earnings limit as ONLY counting money you actively work for. Your pension, investments, rental income, and most importantly your SS benefits do NOT count toward the earnings limit. Only wages from a job or self-employment count.