Should I delay filing for SS retirement with WEP repeal pending? Spousal benefits affected

Based on my experience working with WEP-affected retirees, I'd recommend applying for your benefits now rather than waiting. The Social Security Administration will automatically adjust your benefit amount once the WEP repeal is implemented. You won't lose any money by applying during this transition period. If you wait to apply, you might end up delaying your benefits unnecessarily. When SSA processes the WEP changes, they'll review all affected accounts and issue any additional payments or adjustments retroactively.

DONT LISTEN TO THaT ADVICE!!!! I filed right before a policy change back in 2022 and got STUCK in the old rules even after they updated everything!!! Took me 18 MONTHS of calling and fighting to get it fixed!! The SSA systems are TERRIBLE at handling transitions!!! If I were you I'd wait at least until the bill is signed and SSA announces HOW they're going to implement it before filing anything!!

The key consideration here isn't just about the WEP adjustment itself, but also about your spousal benefit potential. Since you mentioned you qualify for a spousal top-off of approximately $375, filing strategy becomes more complex. The WEP repeal will increase your own benefit amount, which might actually reduce your spousal top-off amount (since the spousal benefit is calculated as the difference between your benefit and half of your spouse's). If you file now, you'll establish your initial benefit level including the WEP reduction, and when the repeal is implemented, SSA will recalculate everything. If you wait, you might end up with a cleaner calculation from the start, but you'll also delay receiving any benefits. Essentially, you're choosing between starting benefits sooner (with a later adjustment) versus waiting for a potentially smoother process.

My husband and I just went through something similar last year. We ended up just filing and then waited for them to sort it out. Got our first payment quickly but took about 3 months for them to adjust everything correctly. Not too bad really.

I work with retirees navigating Social Security issues, and your situation is pretty common right now. Here's what I suggest: 1. Go ahead and file for your retirement benefits now rather than delaying 2. In the "Remarks" section of your application, specifically note that you are affected by WEP and understand a repeal is pending 3. Calculate both scenarios - your benefit with WEP and without - so you know what to expect 4. After filing, print a copy of your online confirmation and keep documentation of all communications The advantage of filing now is that you establish your entitlement to benefits at your FRA, avoiding any potential delays. When the WEP repeal is fully implemented, SSA will recalculate your benefit and issue any additional amounts retroactively to your entitlement date. The adjustment process might take some time, but you won't lose any money by filing during the transition period.

my dad had wep issues too its such a mess good luck getting anyone at ss to understand it half of them dont even know what it is lol

If you're struggling to get through to Social Security to discuss this specific situation, I'd recommend trying Claimyr.com. I had a similar complex situation with WEP calculations last year and couldn't get through to SSA for weeks. Claimyr got me connected to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes. They have a demo video of how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. It was worth it to get my specific questions answered by a knowledgeable agent instead of waiting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

To follow up on my earlier comment, I think there's one more consideration for your specific situation: if you're planning to continue working after filing. Since you've reached your FRA, you won't be subject to the earnings test, but if you're still adding to your earnings record, those additional years of work could further increase your benefit amount regardless of the WEP situation. The fact that you have 17 years of substantial earnings under Social Security already means the WEP impact on your benefit is already somewhat limited (since WEP's impact is reduced after 20 years of substantial earnings and eliminated after 30 years).

Has anyone else noticed that the SSA website hasn't been updated with ANY information about the WEP repeal yet? I've been checking every few days but there's nothing official about how they're planning to implement it.

After reading through all the comments, I want to emphasize a strategic approach. File now, but be prepared for some administrative challenges. The SSA will almost certainly implement the WEP repeal retroactively once it's signed into law, meaning anyone affected will eventually receive the correct amount regardless of when they file. The key is documentation and follow-up. Keep copies of everything, use the Remarks section of your application to note your WEP situation, and be prepared to follow up regularly. While the SSA systems may take time to adjust, establishing your benefit entitlement at your FRA is valuable from a planning perspective. Regarding your spousal benefit top-off, that calculation will automatically adjust based on your new primary insurance amount after the WEP repeal is implemented.