Social Security WEP repeal retroactive payment confusion with upcoming spousal benefits

You've got a couple different issues happening at once. For the WEP repeal, SSA should automatically recalculate your benefits and issue retroactive payments back to December 2023 when the change went into effect. This is separate from your spousal application. Regarding spousal benefits, you're correct that they can be retroactive up to 6 months from your protective filing date, but they'll never go back further than your eligibility date. When the spousal benefit starts, you'll receive the higher of either your own benefit (newly calculated without WEP) OR the spousal benefit amount, not both. My advice: During your March 18 call, specifically ask the agent about both issues. Make sure they understand you're affected by the WEP repeal AND applying for spousal benefits. Ask them to explain the timeline for both adjustments and how they'll interact.

My husban is in THE SAME boat!!! He worked for county gov and got hit with wep for YEARS. Now theyve been soooo slow with the backpay, its been months. When he called they just said "be patient" which is EASY for them to say!!!

I went through something similar last year with a different benefit situation (not WEP related). When you have your phone interview, make sure you clearly state that you're owed retroactive payments from the WEP repeal BEFORE your spousal benefits begin. They should handle these as two separate adjustments. FYI - Retroactive payments are typically issued as a separate one-time payment, while ongoing benefits will be adjusted going forward. Make sure you get the rep's name and direct line if possible, because you might need to follow up. In my experience, trying to reach someone at SSA by phone is nearly impossible these days. I ended up using Claimyr.com which got me through to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - it saved me so much frustration when I was dealing with my complicated benefit situation.

The WEP repeal is creating a lot of confusion. Here's what you need to know: 1) The WEP elimination is being processed automatically for all affected beneficiaries. SSA is working through these adjustments and will issue retroactive payments back to December 2023. This process is taking time due to the volume of recalculations. 2) Your spousal benefit application is being processed separately. During your interview, they'll determine if you're eligible and calculate the amount you're entitled to receive. 3) You will NOT lose any money you're entitled to. If your recalculated benefit (post-WEP) is still lower than your spousal benefit, you'll receive: - Back payments for your recalculated non-WEP benefit from December 2023 until spousal benefits begin - The higher spousal benefit amount going forward Have all your documents ready for your phone interview, including proof of marriage and your spouse's SSN. Make sure to specifically mention that you're affected by the WEP repeal and ask how that interacts with your spousal application.

Does anyone know if they're prioritizing certain cases for the WEP adjustments? I've been waiting since January and haven't seen any changes yet. I'm worried that if I call about it, I'll somehow end up at the bottom of the pile or something. The whole system is so confusing!!!

To clarify one more thing: when your WEP is recalculated, your own benefit amount will increase. Then when they calculate your spousal benefit, it will be based on your spouse's record. You'll receive the higher of the two amounts. The retroactive payments should work like this: - You'll get retroactive payments for your recalculated (non-WEP) benefit from December 2023 to present - If you're approved for spousal benefits with a retroactive date that overlaps with the WEP adjustment period, you'll get the DIFFERENCE between your new non-WEP amount and the spousal amount for that overlapping period (assuming spousal is higher) In my experience, it helps to write all this down before your call so you can be very specific about what you're asking.

ANYONE else notice how they NEVER explain this stuff clearly on their website?? It's almost like they WANT us to get confused and give up! My sister worked for the post office and got hit with WEP AND GPO and shes been fighting for months to get everything straightened out.

One more important point: keep detailed records of everything. Write down the date of your call, the representative's name and ID number if they provide one, and take notes about what they tell you. If something doesn't happen as promised, these notes will be essential when you follow up. Also, be aware that the WEP recalculations are being done in phases, and there have been reports of some taking longer than others. If you don't see your adjustment within a month after your call, it would be reasonable to follow up.

I'm going through a very similar situation! I was affected by WEP for over a decade and just got my spousal benefits approved last month. Here's what actually happened in my case: The SSA representative told me they process the WEP recalculation first, then apply spousal benefits. I received my WEP backpay in two separate payments - one large lump sum for the period from December 2023 to when my spousal benefits kicked in, then the difference between my recalculated benefit and the higher spousal amount for any overlapping months. The whole process took about 6 weeks from my phone interview to receiving all payments. Make sure to ask during your call if they can expedite your WEP recalculation since you have the spousal application pending - sometimes they can coordinate the timing better. One thing that helped me was bringing up both issues right at the beginning of the call so the rep could see the full picture. Good luck with your interview on the 18th!

I'm dealing with a similar WEP situation and this thread has been so helpful! I've been waiting for my WEP recalculation since February and haven't heard anything yet. Reading about everyone's experiences gives me hope that it will eventually get sorted out. One question for those who have been through this - did any of you get any kind of written confirmation about your WEP adjustment timeline? I called last month and the rep said they'd "look into it" but I never got any follow-up. I'm wondering if I should call again or just keep waiting. Also, @AstroAdventurer - definitely ask during your March 18 call if they can put a note on your file connecting the WEP recalculation to your spousal benefits application. That way if different departments are handling each issue, they'll know they're related. Good luck with your interview!

As a federal retiree who was hit hard by WEP for 15 years, I want to share what I learned during my own spousal benefits process last year (before the WEP repeal). The key thing to understand is that SSA treats these as completely separate calculations, which actually works in your favor. When you have your March 18 interview, be very clear that you need both issues addressed: "I'm applying for spousal benefits AND I'm affected by the WEP repeal that should give me retroactive payments back to December 2023." Don't assume they'll automatically connect the dots. Here's what you should specifically ask for: 1) A timeline for your WEP recalculation and backpay 2) How the spousal benefits will be calculated once your WEP-free benefit amount is determined 3) Whether they can coordinate the processing of both issues to avoid delays The good news is you won't lose any money you're entitled to. You'll get your WEP backpay for the period before spousal benefits start, then the higher amount going forward. Just make sure to get the rep's direct number and a reference number for both issues so you can follow up if needed.

I'm a newcomer to this community but found this thread incredibly informative as someone who might be facing a similar situation soon. My mother worked as a teacher for 30 years and has been affected by WEP, so I've been trying to help her understand how the repeal might impact her benefits. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been eye-opening - especially the advice about being very specific during phone calls with SSA and asking for direct contact information and reference numbers. It sounds like the key is to be proactive and clearly connect all the different issues you're dealing with rather than assuming they'll figure it out on their own. @AstroAdventurer - I hope your March 18 call goes smoothly! It sounds like you're well-prepared now with all the great advice from this thread. Please consider updating us on how it goes - I'm sure others in similar situations would benefit from hearing about your actual experience with the process. Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes navigating these complex government systems more manageable!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm also dealing with WEP repeal issues but haven't applied for spousal benefits yet. Reading everyone's experiences makes me realize I should probably call SSA soon to check on my WEP recalculation status - I've been waiting since January and haven't heard anything. One thing I'm curious about - for those who have received their WEP backpay, did it come as a direct deposit or a check? And did you get any advance notice that the payment was coming? I want to make sure I'm watching for it in the right place and don't miss any notifications. Also, @AstroAdventurer, the advice about writing down specific questions before your call is so smart. I think I'll do the same when I finally work up the courage to call them. The phone system is so frustrating but it sounds like it's worth pushing through to get answers directly from a representative.