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One more important point regarding your husband's situation: Since he has a CSRS pension, he's significantly impacted by WEP. However, had he been under FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System), which began in 1987, the impact would have been less since FERS employees pay into Social Security. If he has exactly 27 years of substantial earnings under Social Security, his WEP reduction should be 65% of the full WEP penalty (rather than 100%). For 2025, with the maximum WEP reduction being approximately $621 per month, his actual reduction should be around $403 per month (65% of $621). If he's seeing a larger reduction, it's definitely worth requesting a recalculation. Also, keep in mind that as of January 2025, the substantial earnings threshold is $33,750.
This is excellent information. Just to add - when requesting a reconsideration, bring copies of all W-2s or tax returns for the years in question to prove substantial earnings. The SSA's records aren't always complete, especially for older years. And remember, you have 60 days from receiving a benefit determination to file for reconsideration, but they may grant extensions for good cause if it's been longer.
my dad just gave up trying to fight this... said its not worth the stress at his age. sucks that they can just take money he earned!
That's EXACTLY what they want - for us to give up! The system is DESIGNED to wear people down until they stop fighting. DON'T GIVE UP! Every dollar they're keeping from your husband's earned benefits adds up to THOUSANDS over your retirement years!
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this happened to my aunt last year! the ssa people told her different things every time she called! one said she would get her husbands full amount, another said it would be reduced cause she was only 62. so frustrating! she ended up getting most of his benefit but not all of it. the whole process took like 3 months.
Thank you everyone for your helpful advice. I called the local office this morning and explained my situation. They were able to move my appointment up to next week after I mentioned I was recently widowed. I'm going to bring all the documents suggested and have made a list of questions based on your comments. I'm also going to try that phone service if I need to call again before my appointment. This is all so overwhelming on top of the grief, but I feel more prepared now. I'll update after my appointment in case it helps someone else in the future.
That's great news about the earlier appointment. One more tip: ask specifically about the "restricted application" strategy for survivors. This could allow you to take only the survivor benefit while letting your own retirement benefit grow until 70 (or vice versa). This option isn't widely publicized but can be very valuable in your situation. Wishing you strength during this difficult time.
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I just want to add one more important piece of advice: when your benefits are finally approved, double-check the retroactive payment carefully. Processing center delays often result in calculation errors for the back payments. Make sure they've properly calculated benefits from your initial filing date in September, not just from when they finally process the claim. Also, verify that both your widow's benefits and your daughter's benefits are calculated correctly. Many people don't realize that a surviving spouse caring for a minor child under 16 is entitled to benefits equal to 75% of the deceased worker's PIA, while the child is entitled to 75% as well (subject to family maximum limits). Likewise, ensure you've received the $255 lump sum death payment. It's small but often overlooked during problematic claims processing.
Wait widow benefits can be 75%? I thought it was only 100% if you wait until your own FRA? My mom got widows benefits last year but I think she's only getting like 71% of my dad's benefit because she's only 60 not full retirement age.
You're both correct. The 75% rate applies specifically to a surviving spouse who is caring for the deceased worker's child under age 16. This is different from regular widow's benefits which, as you noted, can range from 71.5% (at age 60) to 100% (at full retirement age). They're different benefit categories entirely, with different rules.
I want to thank everyone for the helpful advice. I called my Congressional Representative this morning and spoke with a caseworker who was incredibly helpful. She took all my information and said she'd submit an official inquiry to SSA today. She also gave me her direct number for follow-up. I'm also going to try that Claimyr service to reach someone at SSA directly so I can request the "critical case" flag and ask to speak with a Technical Expert or District Manager. I'll keep you all posted on what happens. It helps to know I'm not alone in this frustrating process.
That's excellent progress! Congressional inquiries typically receive responses within 10-15 business days, which is much faster than the standard processing. When you do reach SSA using whichever method works, be sure to mention that you've already filed a congressional inquiry - this often prompts additional urgency on their part. Keep us updated.
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Thank you all for the helpful information! I've scheduled an appointment at my local SSA office for next week. I'm bringing all the documents suggested (marriage certificate, his death certificate, birth certificate, etc.). Based on everyone's advice, I think I'll apply for survivor benefits now even though some might be withheld due to my earnings. I'm really grateful to learn about the strategy of taking survivor benefits now and switching to my own retirement benefit later. That was never on my radar!If anyone has recommendations about specific questions I should ask during my appointment, I'd appreciate the advice. I want to make sure I don't miss anything important.
Maya Jackson
Actually I just thought of this - have you checked if you qualify for any other programs? With your reduced income you might be eligible for assistance with utilities or property tax reductions for seniors. Our county has a program that caps property taxes for homeowners over 60 with income below certain levels.
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Bethany Groves
•This is a great point!! I found out our electric company has a senior discount program I never knew about. Saved me like $40/month which adds up!
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Nathan Dell
Has anyone mentioned that Social Security MIGHT be taxable depending on your combined income?? I got surprised by this my first year on SS! If your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of SS benefits) exceeds $25,000 for individuals or $32,000 for couples, up to 85% of your benefits might be taxable. With your husband still working full-time, you'll probably hit that threshold.
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KingKongZilla
•This is an important point. With your husband's continued income, you would likely have a portion of any SS benefits subject to federal income tax. This is another reason why coordinating your claiming strategy as a couple is so important - it affects both your benefit amounts and your tax situation.
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