Social Security application after layoff - phone vs. in-person filing? Need advice quickly
I'm suddenly having to figure out Social Security after my husband (61) got laid off last week after 30+ years at the same company. We weren't planning for him to file for another year, but our circumstances changed overnight. I'm reading conflicting advice everywhere! Someone who claimed to be a former SSA employee posted here that applying in person is best because 'phone reps make too many mistakes.' But then I checked out Social Benefit Advisors website (apparently run by the same person?) and their video recommended applying by phone for privacy reasons. I'm so confused about which is actually better! Has anyone filed recently either way? Any horror stories or success stories to share? We really can't afford mistakes since this layoff has already thrown our retirement plans into chaos. Thanks for any guidance!
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Samuel Robinson
I filed in person at my local SSA office about 8 months ago, and I'm glad I did. The representative caught that I was eligible for a higher benefit based on my ex-spouse's record - something I never would have known to ask about on the phone. Take all your documents (birth certificate, marriage license, tax returns, etc.) and be prepared to wait, but it was worth it in my experience. You can ask questions in real-time and they can pull up your complete earnings record right there to verify everything.
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Victoria Brown
•Thank you, that's reassuring. Did you need an appointment or was it walk-in? Our local office has terrible reviews online with people saying they waited 3+ hours.
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Camila Castillo
File online!!!!! Waaay easier then dealing with the offices or phone. I did it at midnight in my pajamas lol. Only took like 30 minutes tops.
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Brianna Muhammad
•Online is definitely NOT the best for complicated situations. The system can't ask follow-up questions or explain options. I'm a retired financial advisor and I've seen SO many clients leave money on the table by doing the online application without understanding all their options. The OP's husband is under FRA with a sudden job change - that's exactly when personalized help matters most.
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JaylinCharles
I applied by phone last year and it was a NIGHTMARE. Got disconnected THREE times after waiting 90+ minutes each time. When I finally got through, the rep seemed rushed and didn't explain anything. Two months later I got a letter saying my benefit was $450 less than what I was expecting!!!! Had to go in person anyway to get it fixed. AVOID PHONE APPLICATIONS!!!
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Eloise Kendrick
•This is unfortunately pretty common with the regular SSA phone line. If you're set on applying by phone rather than in person, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that gets you through to a Social Security agent usually within 20 minutes instead of hours of waiting and disconnections. I used it when I needed to update my direct deposit info, and it worked exactly as promised. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Lucas Schmidt
my sister and me both applied different ways. she did online, i went in person. we both got approved no problem so maybe doesn't matter that much? but i liked talking to a real person cause i had questions
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Freya Collins
•The problem isn't usually about approval - most people get approved either way. It's about maximizing your benefit and not missing out on options. For example, did they explain restricted applications, deemed filing, or the implications of filing before FRA to either of you? Those decisions can mean tens of thousands of dollars difference over a lifetime.
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Freya Collins
Based on my experience as a financial planner who's helped dozens of clients through this process, I strongly recommend applying in person if your situation has ANY complexity. Your case involves filing earlier than planned due to a layoff, so you'll want to discuss: 1) the early filing reduction, 2) potential spousal benefit strategies, 3) whether it makes sense to draw down savings instead of taking the reduced benefit, and 4) the earnings test if your husband might work again before FRA. These nuances get lost in phone applications. Make an appointment online at SSA.gov - that way you avoid the walk-in wait times.
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Victoria Brown
•Thank you so much for this detailed response! I didn't even think about the earnings test - that's critical since he's already interviewing for contract positions. I'll definitely make an appointment online instead of chancing the walk-in route. This is exactly the kind of expert advice I was hoping for.
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Camila Castillo
What's FRA?? You guys use so many abbreviations it's impossible to follow!!
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Brianna Muhammad
•FRA = Full Retirement Age. It's 67 for people born in 1960 or later, and between 66-67 for people born 1943-1959. It's the age when you get your "full" SS benefit without reduction.
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JaylinCharles
I tried to apply by phone 5 times last month when I had COVID (didnt want to go in person obviously). EVERY SINGLE CALL I got disconnected after waiting for hours!!!! The SSA phone system is BROKEN beyond repair. They simply HANG UP on people after making them wait forever!!! It's unconscionable how they treat seniors!!!!
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Eloise Kendrick
•That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. I was in the same boat - tried calling multiple times, waited forever, then got disconnected. Claimyr got me through to an agent in about 15 minutes. They have some technology that navigates the phone tree and waits in line for you, then calls you back when they have an agent on the line.
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Lucas Schmidt
my neighbor says his son works for ssa and says all the good employees work at the field offices and they put the new people on the phones lol. not sure if thats true but made me laugh
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Victoria Brown
•That's interesting! If true, it definitely makes me lean toward the in-person route. I'm skeptical of advice from someone trying to promote their own website too.
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Samuel Robinson
One important thing to consider in your situation - since your husband is only 61, he'll be filing early (before FRA), which means a permanently reduced benefit. Make sure whoever helps you explains exactly how much the reduction will be and whether it makes financial sense given your overall situation. Sometimes it's better to live off savings for a while rather than lock in a reduced benefit for life, especially if he might find another job soon. This is exactly the kind of nuanced discussion that works better in person.
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Victoria Brown
•You've convinced me - we're definitely going in person. I just scheduled an appointment for next Tuesday. I appreciate everyone's help!
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