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Update for everyone in this thread: SSA just published clarification on this issue last week. While in-office work is increasing for SSA employees, the official policy continues to offer claimants the choice of hearing format. However, if there are technical issues with remote hearings (poor connection, etc.), they may require in-person. The most important factor remains the ALJ's discretion, so strong medical documentation supporting your need for a telephone hearing is essential. Here's what to do: 1. Have your doctor document specific medical reasons why travel would be harmful 2. Submit this through your attorney as a formal accommodation request 3. Follow up in writing (not just verbally) 4. If denied, request reconsideration with additional medical support Most reasonable requests with proper documentation are being approved.
Thank you so much for this detailed update! This gives me a clear plan of action. I'll work with my doctor and attorney to document everything properly.
Just wanted to follow up - did you get this resolved? What did your attorney say?
Yes! I got my doctor to write a detailed letter explaining why travel would worsen my condition, and my attorney submitted a formal accommodation request. I just heard back yesterday that my telephone hearing has been approved. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for the guidance.
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wait im confused now. does this mean the money from ss is completely separate from the earnings limit? so u can get full ex spouse benefits as long as ur job doesnt pay too much?
Yes, that's correct. The Social Security benefits themselves don't count as "earnings" for the earnings limit test. Only your wages from work count. So you could receive $15,000 in ex-spouse benefits, and as long as your job pays less than the annual limit ($22,320 in 2025), you'd get your full benefits with no reduction. If your job pays more than the limit, only then would they reduce your benefits.
Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I think I understand now - my spousal benefits don't count toward the earnings limit, but my work income might reduce how much I receive if I earn over $22,320 this year. I'll definitely contact SSA to set up the proper reporting for my estimated income. When I reach my Full Retirement Age in a few years, none of this will matter anymore and I can earn whatever amount without reductions. This community has been so much more helpful than the confusing explanations I got elsewhere!
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Thank you all for the helpful responses! I just checked my most recent SSA statement and it does mention I'm subject to GPO, so hopefully that means I'm in their system correctly. I'm going to try calling them next week to confirm. Does anyone know if there are specific documents I should have ready when I call? I have my husband's death certificate and his pension information, but not sure what else they might need.
Having your husband's death certificate and pension info is good. Also have your own Social Security card, ID, and if possible, any award letters you received when you first started getting survivor benefits. Those usually mention GPO if it was applied. And definitely be prepared for a long wait when calling - unless you use a service to get through faster.
I talked to my neighbor who used to work for Social Security and she said these changes are gonna be a administrative nightmare for SSA to implement. She thinks there will be delays and errors for the first couple years. So definitely keep an eye on your payments starting in 2025 and don't assume they'll get it right automatically!
That's concerning! I'll definitely watch my deposits carefully. Our local SS office closed during COVID and never reopened, so everything has to be done by phone or online now.
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Does anyone know how long these ex-spouse applications typically take to process? I'm worried that even after my March appointment it'll be months before I see any change in my benefit amount.
In my experience, once you've had your appointment and provided all the required documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.), the processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. However, with current SSA staffing issues, I've seen it take up to 6-8 weeks for some people. The most important thing is to have all your documentation ready during the phone appointment. If they need to request additional verification, it can add significant delays. You might want to upload your documents to your my Social Security account ahead of your appointment if possible.
this whole WEP/GPO stuff makes my head spin! feels like they purposely make it complicated so we don't get all the benefits we deserve :
I feel the same way! I spent hours researching and still don't fully understand how the calculations work. I was counting on a reasonable SS benefit to supplement my pension, and finding out I only get $12/month was shocking.
Natasha Petrova
Everyone acts like waiting until 70 is always better, but that's NONSENSE! If you need the money at 62, take it! Life is short and UNPREDICTABLE. My brother waited to file and then died at 68 - got NOTHING after paying in his whole life! Plus the government keeps moving the goalposts - who knows if they'll change the rules again before you hit FRA? Take what you can get when you can get it!
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Emma Davis
•I understand your frustration, but I should clarify something important: If your brother was married, his spouse would be eligible for survivor benefits based on his work record. Also, if he had dependent children under 18 or disabled adult children, they would receive benefits. So his contributions weren't completely lost. You're right that personal circumstances matter enormously in this decision. Health status, family longevity, current financial needs, and marital status should all factor into the claiming decision. It's definitely not one-size-fits-all.
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Paolo Marino
Thank you all for the advice! This has given me a lot to think about. I'm definitely going to create that my Social Security account to see my actual numbers. Since I'm making good money right now and don't absolutely need to retire at 62, it sounds like waiting might be the better option for me. I think I need to do more research about how my taxes will work in retirement too. And I'll check out that Claimyr service to talk directly with SSA - I've tried calling before and it's impossible to get through! Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!
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Amina Bah
•You're welcome! One final thought - consider getting a retirement checkup with a financial advisor who understands Social Security claiming strategies. Many offer free initial consultations, and they can help you understand how your Social Security benefits will interact with your other retirement assets, potential tax implications, and how to create a withdrawal strategy that maximizes your overall retirement income. Best of luck with your planning!
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