After seeing your updates, I'm convinced this was a scam attempt. Here's what likely happened: 1. The scammer somehow obtained partial information about your application (could be from data breaches or public records) 2. They're laying groundwork for a more elaborate scam where they'll eventually try to get your personal information or redirect your benefits 3. The lack of identity verification is the biggest red flag - genuine SSA representatives are required to verify identity You're making the right move by contacting SSA directly. When you do, be sure to: - Report this suspicious call with all details (both phone numbers) - Verify your current application status and start date - Consider adding an extra security step to your mySocialSecurity account if available - Confirm no unauthorized changes have been made Glad you were cautious enough to question this!

Great job trusting your instincts and following through with verification! This is exactly why scammers are so dangerous - they often have just enough real information to sound credible at first. Your experience is a perfect example for others: when in doubt, always hang up and call the official number directly. It's also smart that SSA put a note on your account - this helps them track these scam patterns. Thanks for sharing the resolution - it'll definitely help other community members who might face similar situations!

I'm 55 and just discovered this thread while researching Social Security options for my future. This has been absolutely eye-opening! My ex-husband and I were married for 12 years, and reading everyone's experiences has made me realize I need to start planning much earlier than I thought. What really strikes me from all these detailed responses is how much strategy can go into these decisions when you have the right information. The difference between just "winging it" at 62 versus doing proper research and calculations could literally mean tens of thousands of dollars over a retirement. A few things I'm taking away that I never knew before: - You have to specifically ASK to be considered for ex-spouse benefits - they don't automatically check - The ex-spouse benefit is based on their full retirement age amount, not what they're actually collecting - Getting actual dollar calculations is crucial rather than trying to estimate - The 2015 rule changes affected some strategies but divorced spouse benefits still have options I'm definitely going to start getting my own benefit estimates now and begin planning for how to get the ex-spouse calculations when the time comes. The Claimyr service sounds promising based on everyone's positive experiences. Thanks to everyone for creating such an informative and supportive discussion. This community has given me a clear roadmap for approaching this decision strategically rather than just hoping for the best when I hit retirement age. I'll definitely be back to share my own experience once I go through the process!

I'm 52 and just stumbled upon this thread while doing some early retirement planning research - what an absolute goldmine of information! My ex-husband and I were married for 15 years, and I honestly had no clue about most of these divorced spouse benefit rules until reading through everyone's experiences. The level of detail and practical advice shared here is incredible. I'm especially grateful for learning that you have to specifically request consideration for ex-spouse benefits - I would have assumed they automatically check all options for you. That alone could have been a costly oversight! What really resonates with me is everyone's emphasis on starting research early and getting actual calculations rather than guessing. When I think about how this decision could affect 20-30 years of retirement income, it's clear this deserves serious time and attention rather than just hoping everything works out. I'm planning to create my SSA account soon to start tracking my own benefit projections, and I'll definitely be using the strategies people have shared here when I get closer to eligibility. The Claimyr service sounds like a great way to avoid the phone hold nightmare, and the spreadsheet approach with break-even analysis sounds perfect for visualizing the long-term impact of different decisions. Thanks to everyone for creating such a supportive and informative community discussion. You've given those of us in earlier planning stages such valuable insights that we never would have found elsewhere. I'll definitely come back to share my own experience when I go through this process in about 10 years!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm in almost the exact same situation - just turned 65 in October and enrolled in Medicare Part A and B starting November 1st. I've been searching everywhere for my 1095-B form and getting increasingly worried about my tax filing deadline. Reading through everyone's experiences has been such a relief! I had no idea the form comes from CMS rather than Social Security - that explains why I couldn't find it in my MySocialSecurity account either. I've been checking my mail religiously since January but haven't received it yet. Based on what everyone's shared here, I think I'll wait until next week and then try calling 1-800-MEDICARE if it doesn't arrive. That Claimyr service a few people mentioned sounds like it could be worth trying if I can't get through normally - those 2+ hour wait times sound awful! For now, I'll gather up my Medicare card and enrollment paperwork as backup documentation like Grace suggested. At least I know my exact coverage start date (November 1, 2024) so hopefully my tax preparer can work with that information if needed. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this has been incredibly helpful for a Medicare newbie like me!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Just turned 65 in December and started Medicare Part B in January. I've been frantically searching my MySocialSecurity account for weeks thinking I was missing something obvious. Reading through all these responses has been such a huge relief - I had no idea the form comes from CMS instead of Social Security! It's so helpful to see that this confusion is completely normal for first-year Medicare recipients. I'm going to stop panicking and wait another week or two for it to arrive in the mail. In the meantime, I'll dig out my Medicare welcome packet and enrollment paperwork as backup documentation like several people suggested. That tip about signing up for USPS Informed Delivery is genius - definitely doing that today so I don't accidentally toss any important mail. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially those who provided the Medicare phone number and mentioned the Claimyr service for getting through faster. This thread should be bookmarked by anyone new to Medicare - so much valuable real-world advice here!

To directly answer your question about checking - if you get a Form SSA-1099 in January/February, it will show in Box 3 if any federal taxes were withheld during the previous year. Since 2025 just started, you won't have this form yet for your benefits. Going forward, the easiest way to verify withholding is to check your bank deposits against your gross benefit amount. A difference (besides Medicare premiums) would indicate tax withholding.

Good decision on the W-4V form! Just wanted to add that you can also monitor your withholding throughout the year by checking your monthly bank statements. Once the withholding starts, you'll see a smaller deposit amount, and the difference will be your tax withholding. Also, keep in mind that if your part-time income changes significantly during the year, you might want to adjust your withholding percentage accordingly. The SSA allows you to change or stop withholding at any time by submitting a new W-4V form.

One thing that might help while you're navigating all this complexity - consider reaching out to your state's Developmental Disabilities Administration or similar agency. Many states have benefits counselors who specialize in helping families understand how different programs interact for people with disabilities. They can often provide clearer guidance than SSA phone reps and help you understand the full picture of available supports. Also, since your daughter's current SSDI is only $1,150/month, you might want to explore whether she's eligible for any state supplemental programs or other assistance that could help with her care costs while you're doing this long-term planning. Some states have additional support for people with brain injuries specifically. The fact that you're thinking ahead about all this shows what a caring parent you are. These systems are frustratingly complex, but getting the right information now will make such a difference for her future security.

I just wanted to add something that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you understand the "deemed filing" rules if you're married and planning to delay benefits. If you're receiving spousal benefits on your current husband's record while delaying your own benefits to age 70, this could affect the calculation of your daughter's potential survivor benefit. Also, I'd suggest checking whether your daughter might be eligible for any state disability supplements that could help bridge the gap while you're doing this planning. Some states offer additional payments to SSDI recipients, and a few hundred extra dollars a month could really help with her care costs. One more thing - if either you or your ex-husband becomes disabled before retirement age, your daughter could potentially switch to survivor benefits on that parent's record immediately (if it's higher than her current SSDI). Disability benefits don't have the same age restrictions as retirement benefits, so this could be relevant for your planning discussions. The fact that you're thinking through all these scenarios shows incredible foresight. Your daughter is lucky to have someone advocating so thoroughly for her future security.