Denied same-day Social Security spousal benefit application - 6 week phone appointment normal?

thats crazy!! the ssa office near me did the EXACT same thing to my sister last month. They told her to wait 5 weeks for a phone appt when she was RIGHT THERE at the office!! She ended up just doing the online application and in the remarks section at the end she wrote that she wanted SPOUSAL benefits not her own. Got approved in 3 weeks. dont wait for them to call u

This is unfortunately becoming standard practice at many SSA field offices. They're severely understaffed and using these scheduled phone appointments to manage their workload. A few important points for you: 1) You can certainly call the national 800 number tomorrow (800-772-1213) to try for an earlier phone appointment, but be prepared for long wait times. 2) For spousal benefits, you can complete the online retirement application. When you reach the remarks section at the end, clearly state: "I am applying for spousal benefits on my husband's record. His SSN is XXX-XX-XXXX." 3) Since you're already at your full retirement age (66+), you don't need to worry about deemed filing rules and can receive just spousal benefits while allowing your own retirement benefit to continue growing until 70 if that's advantageous for you. 4) Regarding backdating: Since you're past FRA, you can receive up to 6 months of retroactive benefits, so a few weeks delay shouldn't impact that. The choice between online application with clear notes or waiting for the appointment is yours, but both should work.

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What you experienced isn't uncommon these days, but there are better approaches to take: 1. The online application CAN be used for spousal benefits. Complete it as if applying for retirement, but in the remarks section clearly state you're applying for spousal benefits on your husband's record (include his name and SSN). 2. If you prefer speaking with someone, call the national number at 800-772-1213 right when they open at 8am. Monday-Tuesday are usually the busiest days, so try Wednesday-Friday if possible. 3. Since you're at full retirement age, you have options for maximizing your benefits. You could take spousal benefits now while letting your own retirement benefit grow until 70 (if your own benefit would be higher at that point). 4. Keep in mind that any benefits approved will be paid retroactively to your application date, so while frustrating, the delay won't cost you money. Field offices are severely understaffed nationwide, which explains (but doesn't excuse) your experience. The phone appointment system helps them manage workload but creates these frustrating delays.

Hate to say it but welcome to dealing with SS!!! I had similar experience at my local office. Guy said he was too busy to help me when I was SITTING RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM!!!! Then gave me phone appt 2 months out. I ended up calling SS main number every day for a week until I finally got through to someone who could help me with my widows benefits. The whole system is BROKEN.

Having dealt with SS for both my parents and myself, I can tell you this is unfortunately typical these days. What worked for me was completing the online application and then in the remarks section at the very end, I wrote in ALL CAPS that I was applying for spousal benefits and included my husband's name and full SSN. I also uploaded a copy of our marriage certificate through the online portal. My application was processed in about 3 weeks with no issues. Much faster than waiting for their callback, which in my experience often doesn't happen when scheduled (they're notorious for missing their appointment times). If you do wait for their call, make sure your phone accepts calls from unknown or blocked numbers, as that's how SSA calls usually appear.

this happened 2 me also!!!! went 2 office for disability and they gave me phone appt 2 months later!!!! ended up just doing online application but got denied anyway lol. SSA is useless

One more thing to be aware of: if you're trying to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only while letting your own benefits grow, you must have been born before January 2, 1954 to be eligible for this strategy. If you were born on or after that date, filing for any benefit is deemed filing for all benefits you're eligible for. Given that you mentioned being 67, you should be eligible for the restricted application option, which can be very advantageous if your own benefit will be higher at age 70 than your spousal benefit is now. Make sure this is clearly explained in your application (whether online or by phone) as many SSA representatives aren't familiar with this provision since it was eliminated for younger beneficiaries.

wait im confused, can u explain the difference between spousal benefits and survivor benefits? my husband is still alive but he gets wayyyy more SS than i would. can i get some of his now or only after he dies???

I'm a former SSA employee and unfortunately what you experienced is becoming the norm at most field offices. The staffing shortages are real and many offices are operating with skeleton crews. Here's what I'd recommend based on your situation: 1. **Online application is your best bet** - Complete it as a retirement application, then in the remarks section write something like: "I am applying for SPOUSAL BENEFITS ONLY on my husband's record. Husband's name: [Full Name], SSN: XXX-XX-XXXX. I want to file a restricted application for spousal benefits while allowing my own retirement benefit to continue growing until age 70." 2. **Upload documents** - You can upload your marriage certificate directly through the online portal, which will speed up processing. 3. **Don't wait for their call** - In my experience, about 30% of scheduled phone appointments either don't happen or happen late. The online route is much more reliable. 4. **Follow up** - After submitting online, call the 800 number in about 2 weeks to confirm they received everything and understood your intent for spousal benefits only. The whole "I don't have 45 minutes" excuse is ridiculous - that's literally what they're paid to do. But fighting the system won't help you get your benefits faster. The online route with clear instructions in the remarks section is your fastest path forward.

I work as a benefits counselor and see this type of scheduling delay constantly now. The SSA field offices are running on bare minimum staff and using phone appointments to manage their impossible caseloads. Here's my advice: Go with the online application immediately. Don't wait 7 weeks for a phone call that may or may not happen on time. In the remarks section, be very specific: "I am filing a RESTRICTED APPLICATION for spousal benefits only on my husband's record [include his name and SSN]. I do NOT want to file for my own retirement benefits at this time as I plan to delay until age 70 for maximum credits." Since you're 67 and born before 1954, you have this valuable option that younger people don't. Take advantage of it! The online system actually processes these faster than phone applications in most cases. One tip: After you submit online, print out your confirmation receipt and keep calling every 2 weeks to check status. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with SSA unfortunately.