Social Security backdating retirement by 6 months denied - WEP/GPO confusion at 68

Yes, you absolutely can backdate your retirement application, but only by 6 months maximum. This is standard SSA policy, so I'm surprised the rep told you it wasn't possible. When you go in person (which I recommend over applying online in your situation), specifically tell them you want to file for spousal benefits with a protective filing date of 6 months ago. Use the term "protective filing date" - that's the official language they understand. Since you're dealing with both WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) and GPO (Government Pension Offset), it's especially important to speak with someone who understands these complex provisions. Make sure to bring documentation about your non-covered pension to the appointment.

The rep you spoke to had NO IDEA what they were talking about! I went through this exact situation last year at 66. You can absolutely backdate up to 6 months for retirement benefits - it's literally written in their policy manual! The problem is that 75% of SSA phone reps are either new, undertrained, or just don't care. I had to call THREE TIMES before I got someone who knew the rules and could help me backdate my application. The system is completely broken!!

I tried reaching SSA for 3 days straight about my disability review and kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJW3puU - might be worth trying if you need to call again about the backdating instead of going in person. Saved me loads of frustration!

I went through this exact process when I filed for spousal benefits last year. Here's what you need to know about backdating: 1. SSA can backdate retirement benefits up to 6 months (but never before FRA) 2. For spousal benefits while the worker is alive (which sounds like your case), the same 6-month rule applies 3. If you're filing as a widow(er), you can backdate up to 12 months Bring your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and photo ID to your appointment. Also bring any documentation about your non-covered pension to help them calculate the GPO reduction correctly. One more thing - make sure they calculate both ways (your own benefit with WEP vs. spousal with GPO) to ensure you get the higher amount. Sometimes they miss this comparison step.

I'm confused about your situation. Are you saying you get a pension that's not from Social Security covered work? Because WEP only affects your own SS benefit, not spousal benefits. But GPO can reduce spousal benefits by 2/3 of your non-SS pension amount. Have you calculated how much the GPO reduction would be? Sometimes your own reduced-by-WEP benefit is actually higher than your reduced-by-GPO spousal benefit. My husband worked for a state government for 25 years and we had to do all these calculations when he retired. It's so complicated!!

my mom just went through this! she turned 67 in january and didnt file until april but they let her backdate to november no problem. the trick is you HAVE to tell them you want to file with a protective filing date from 6 months ago. if you don't use those exact words they might not do it right.

I had a whole big issue with Social Security last year about my retirement. First they said I couldn't do something, then they said I could, then the next person said something completely different. It was so frustrating! I ended up writing down the name of every person I talked to and what they told me, and bringing that list to my in-person appointment. I think that helped them take me more seriously. Anyway good luck with your back dating! I hope you get those 6 months of payments!

One more important thing about your specific situation - since you mentioned having only 10 years of Social Security covered employment, make sure you meet the minimum 40 credits (quarters) needed to qualify for retirement benefits on your own record. If you don't have 40 credits, then you can only receive spousal benefits, making the comparison moot. Also, when you go in for your appointment, specifically ask them to document in their notes that you requested backdating. And before you leave, ask for a copy of your application summary that shows the filing date they used. This provides documentation if there's any dispute later about your backdate request.

After I finally got my Social Security backdated last year, they messed up my Medicare enrollment and tried to charge me penalties even though I had employer coverage! Then took 4 months to fix that error. And don't even get me started on how they calculated my WEP reduction - they got it wrong TWICE before getting it right. Just be prepared for a long battle with multiple phone calls and office visits. The system is completely broken. Print out the exact SSA rules about backdating from their website and bring them with you. Sometimes you have to educate THEM about their own policies!!

I work at a local SSA field office and can confirm that backdating up to 6 months is absolutely allowed for retirement benefits - that phone rep gave you completely wrong information! This happens way too often unfortunately. When you come in, bring your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and documentation of your government pension amount. Ask specifically for a "protective filing date" of 6 months ago. Make sure they calculate BOTH your own benefit (reduced by WEP) AND spousal benefit (reduced by GPO) to see which is higher after all reductions are applied. One tip from the inside - if the first person you speak with seems unsure about WEP/GPO rules, politely ask to speak with someone who specializes in these provisions. Not all our staff gets regular training on these complex situations, but we do have specialists who handle them regularly. Good luck with your appointment! The backdated payments should help with those home repairs.

I'm so glad you found an actual SSA employee to confirm what everyone has been saying! As someone who went through the WEP/GPO maze myself two years ago, I can't stress enough how important it is to get the right person who understands these provisions. One additional thing I learned - when they're calculating your GPO reduction, make sure they're using the correct pension amount. They need your GROSS monthly pension before any deductions for health insurance, taxes, etc. I initially gave them my net amount and it threw off their whole calculation. Also, don't be surprised if your first appointment takes longer than usual. WEP/GPO cases require more documentation review and calculations than standard retirement applications. But that backdating will definitely be worth the extra time - six months of payments is substantial money at our age!