Social Security application confusion - WEP repeal affecting my pending claim?

same boat here - applied in Feb with April start date. rep on phone told me just answer the WEP questions anyway, they'll figure it out on their end. don't worry too much about it

I've been following the WEP repeal implementation closely since my husband was affected. SSA announced they're implementing system updates in phases, with full implementation expected by June 2025. For applications submitted now, they're manually reviewing all cases with potential WEP connections. You should receive your correct benefit amount eventually, but there might be some initial confusion. I recommend calling and specifically asking for a technical expert who's been trained on the WEP repeal transition. Also, keep screenshots of all your application answers regarding non-covered employment in case you need to reference them later. The difference in your benefit amount could be substantial depending on your earnings history.

I worked for a state agency for 15 yrs and then federal for 12 yrs, so WEP was going to DESTROY my SS benefits!!! Applied in December before the repeal and got my first payment last month. They STILL reduced it under WEP!!! I've called EIGHT TIMES and can't get through to anyone who understands what I'm talking about!!! Now they're saying I need to submit a RECONSIDERATION form and wait ANOTHER 3-6 months!!! This is absolute GARBAGE!!! Anyone know who else I can contact about this??? I was counting on that full amount for my budget!!!

Former SSA claims specialist here. The WEP repeal is causing some temporary processing challenges, but your claim should still be processed properly. The SSA is currently using a two-track approach: 1) They're still collecting the non-covered employment information because the systems haven't been updated yet, and 2) They're applying a manual review process to ensure the WEP reduction isn't applied to new claims. My advice: Make sure your application clearly notes all your non-covered employment years (the teaching work) AND your covered employment (private sector). The calculation will still look at your highest 35 years of earnings. Since the WEP repeal eliminates the penalty, you should receive your full benefit amount based on ALL your earnings. If your initial award letter shows a WEP reduction, immediately request a reconsideration. But most likely, they'll process it correctly from the start if your application is from February 2025 onward.

I tried calling the Social Security office for hours yesterday about my disability claim (not WEP-related) and couldn't get through at all. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that someone on another thread recommended. They got me connected to an SSA agent in about 25 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own. The agent I spoke with was actually familiar with the WEP repeal implementation and said they're prioritizing new applications to make sure they're processed correctly from the start. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

my dad got his SS in january and hes still waiting for them to fix his WEP reduction. they told him it'll happen 'automatically' but who knows when

Just an update on this topic - SSA published new guidance for claims representatives last week specifically addressing the WEP repeal implementation. For new claims filed after February 2025, they're supposed to be flagging all potential WEP cases for special processing. The claims representative should be adding notes to your file indicating it needs the 'WEP repeal adjustment.' If you can get through to SSA (which I know is challenging), specifically ask if this flag has been added to your file. It might save you headaches later.

not related to WEP but my SS application took 4 months to process so just be patient. they're really backed up right now

One more thing to add - make sure to create and monitor your my Social Security account online. You'll be able to see when your claim is processed and check that the benefit amount seems correct based on your earnings history. The WEP formula used to reduce benefits by up to 50% of your non-covered pension amount (with a maximum reduction of $534 in 2025), so you can roughly calculate what your benefit should be without that reduction. If the numbers don't add up when your claim is processed, you'll have documentation to support your request for correction.