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my husban had similar prob. the ssa website is down ALOT for "maintenance" could just be that??? maybe try logging in at weird hours like super early morning??
The website being down isn't the issue here - they can't log in at all because they're waiting for account verification instructions that were supposed to come in the mail.
UPDATE: I want to thank everyone for their help! I used the Claimyr service that someone recommended and got through to an agent in about 10 minutes. Turns out they had my mailing address slightly wrong (wrong apartment number), so the verification letter was probably returned to sender. The agent was able to verify my identity over the phone and restore my account access immediately. I also downloaded and submitted the Medicare enrollment form as a backup. Such a relief to have this handled before my birthday next month!
So glad it worked out for you! Nothing worse than stressing about important benefits and not being able to reach anyone for help.
Thanks for updating us! This is a common issue - mail getting returned because of small address errors. For anyone else reading this thread in the future: always confirm your full mailing address (including apartment numbers) when updating any information with SSA.
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I want to emphasize what was said above about the Date Last Insured (DLI) - this is absolutely worth investigating. MS cases can be particularly complex because the onset is often gradual, but she should focus on documenting when the condition first prevented her from working at a substantial level (what SSA calls Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA). Additionally, regarding spousal benefits - your sister would need to wait until age 62 for reduced spousal retirement benefits, or full retirement age (67 for her) for unreduced spousal benefits. If she pursues the SSDI route based on her own record with the DLI approach, she should gather: 1. All medical records documenting her MS progression, especially from 8 years ago 2. Employment records showing when she reduced hours or stopped working 3. Statements from former employers or coworkers about how her condition affected her work 4. A detailed written statement about how her symptoms progressed This documentation will be crucial if she needs to prove she became disabled before her DLI expired.
Thank you so much for this detailed explanation. I'll help her start gathering all those records. I know she has medical documentation going back to when she was first diagnosed. The part about documenting when she actually had to stop working due to the MS is really helpful.
Just wondering has she tried applying for state disability programs? Some states have their own disability benefits that aren't as strict as SSDI with the work credits thing.
I don't think she has. They're in Tennessee - I'm not sure what programs might be available there but I'll definitely suggest looking into state options too. At this point we need to explore every possibility.
Unfortunately, Tennessee doesn't have a state disability program like California or New York. However, she should check with Tennessee's Department of Human Services to see if she qualifies for any assistance programs based on her disability status. They may have programs that can help with healthcare, food, or other needs even if not direct income support.
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just wondering, how old r u and ur husband? cause that matters for the benefits i think
Good question - I'm 68 and he's 72. We both started taking our benefits at our full retirement ages.
Based on your ages (68 and 72), you're both at Full Retirement Age, which simplifies things considerably. Since you're already at FRA, if your husband were to pass away, you would be eligible to receive 100% of his benefit amount immediately with no reduction. And since you're not working, there would be no earnings test to worry about. Just ensure both of you have created MySocialSecurity accounts online. This will make it easier to track benefits and provide you with benefit verification letters that might be needed during the survivor benefit application process.
We do have MySocialSecurity accounts already - that's been helpful for keeping track of our current benefits. It's reassuring to know that my situation would be relatively straightforward since we're both past FRA. Thank you for taking the time to explain everything!
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did u try filing for reconsideration after u got denied?? that mightve changed ur application date i think
We did actually file a reconsideration after the initial denial, but it was also denied because the GPO rules were very clear at that time. I'm not sure if that reconsideration date would become the new application date or if they'd still use the original application. Either way, we have documentation of both.
To follow up on my earlier comment, I want to clarify something important: The application date issue depends partly on whether your wife was technically denied spousal benefits or if she never formally applied because it was clear she wouldn't qualify due to GPO. If she formally applied and was denied (with documentation), then that application date should stand. If she never formally applied for spousal benefits because SSA representatives advised it wouldn't be worthwhile due to GPO, then you might need to establish a protective filing date. In this case, bring any documentation showing she inquired about spousal benefits, even if she didn't complete a formal application. For maximum back benefits, document every interaction you've had regarding spousal benefits over the years.
That's an important distinction! She did formally apply for spousal benefits after starting her own benefits, and we have the official denial letter. The SSA representative initially told her not to bother, but we insisted on applying anyway just to have it on record. Sounds like that was the right move, even though it seemed pointless at the time.
Paolo Moretti
wait wait wait i think you guys are cofusing SSA rules. isnt there still something he can do with a 'deemed filing' exception? My friend did something like that recently. Maybe ask about that specificaly?
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Amina Diop
•You're thinking of the deemed filing changes that were also part of the 2015 law. Before that change, deemed filing only applied before FRA. After the change, it applies at any age for people born on or after January 2, 1954. So unfortunately, there's no deemed filing exception that would help in this case - it's actually the deemed filing rule itself that prevents the strategy the original poster was asking about.
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QuantumQuasar
Thank you all for your helpful responses! It seems clear now that my husband can't collect on my record while delaying his own benefits since he was born after January 1954. We'll stick with our plan to have him wait until 70 to maximize his benefit (and my potential survivor benefit). I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this - Social Security rules can be so confusing!
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Keisha Jackson
•You're making a wise choice. Since your husband is already 67, he only has 3 more years of waiting, and each year increases his benefit by 8%. That higher amount will last for his lifetime and potentially yours too (as a survivor benefit if he predeceases you), so the long-term gain is substantial. Best wishes with your retirement planning!
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