Should I delay divorced spousal benefits application until WEP repeal adjustment is processed for my Social Security?

The WEP recalculation should happen automatically for everyone affected - you don't need to apply for it separately. SSA has announced they'll be processing these adjustments throughout 2025 (with retroactive payments to January). For your specific questions: 1) I wouldn't delay your divorced spousal application. These are two separate processes and one shouldn't affect the other. The SSA will calculate your own benefit correctly (eventually) and then determine the correct spousal amount. 2) The rep can discuss both issues, but the WEP adjustment will happen through an automated system review, not manually during your call. They can certainly note it in your file though. Remember that with divorced spousal benefits, you'll get either your own benefit or up to 50% of your ex's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount), whichever is higher - but not both. So if your own benefit increases significantly after the WEP adjustment, it might change whether the spousal benefit is advantageous.

i got my wep adjustment already! showed up last week, bout $430 more per month. didnt have to do anything, just appeared in my bank account with a notice in myssa account. dont delay ur divorced spousal, get that ball rolling now!

My sister was in a similar situation last year (teacher with some SS credits). She said wait until one thing is processed before starting another or they'll mess everything up. The SSA lost her paperwork TWICE during her application process. Just my two cents.

You should absolutely proceed with your divorced spousal benefit application as scheduled. Here's why: 1) The WEP recalculation is happening automatically for everyone affected, as mandated by the 2024 legislation. You don't initiate this - SSA is working through all affected accounts systematically. 2) Your divorced spousal benefit remains calculated as the greater of: your own benefit OR up to 50% of your ex-spouse's PIA (depending on your filing age). 3) If your own benefit increases due to the WEP adjustment, SSA will automatically adjust your total payment amount if needed. The key point: Any adjustment to your own benefit (due to WEP repeal) will happen regardless of where you are in the divorced spousal application process. These systems talk to each other internally at SSA. One thing to confirm during your phone interview: make sure the representative notes in your file that you're affected by the WEP adjustment. While they can't process it manually, having it documented helps if there are any delays.

SSA IS COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED WITH THE WEP REPEAL!!! My husband has been waiting since January for his adjustment and NOTHING yet while his friend got his in February! It's CHAOS over there right now!!!!

I had the exact situation last year (divorced spousal while waiting on benefit recalculation for different reason). If you're having trouble getting through to Social Security on the phone before your appointment, try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an actual person at SSA in under 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU For your actual question: I went ahead with both processes simultaneously and had no issues. The SSA rep I spoke with actually said it was better to have everything in process rather than delaying, as they could see all pending actions on my account.

In my experience, yes, it worked great. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for days to reach someone. Got connected in about 15 minutes when I'd been unable to get through at all on my own.

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I've decided to go ahead with my phone interview as scheduled rather than postponing it. I'll make sure to mention the WEP situation during the call so it's documented, but won't expect them to process that adjustment manually. I'm a bit nervous about the overall confusion at SSA with all the WEP adjustments happening, but it sounds like delaying would just put me further back in line for the divorced spousal benefit without actually helping the WEP situation. I'll update after my February appointment if anything interesting comes up!