Social Security benefit amount discrepancy between online estimate and SSA phone representative - which is accurate?

The online estimate is often based on assumptions about your future earnings until your retirement age. The phone rep is probably using your actual earnings record with no future earnings projected. Did you stop working recently or reduce your hours? That would explain the difference, since the online calculator might still be assuming you're earning at your previous level.

same thing happened to me!! online said $2145 but when i filed the actualy amount was $1890. so frustrating and nobody explains it well. i think the online thing is like an estimate or something but still why have it if its so wrong

There are actually a few different calculators that SSA uses, and they can produce different results. The Quick Calculator on the website makes more general assumptions, while the rep on the phone has access to a more detailed calculation tool that considers additional factors. Some possible reasons for the discrepancy: 1. The online tool may be using older earnings data if your most recent year isn't updated yet 2. The online calculator might be making different indexing assumptions 3. The rep may be including adjustments like WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) if you had non-covered employment 4. The online estimate could be using different rounding methods If you want the most accurate figure, you should request a detailed benefit calculation from SSA, known as a PEBES (Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement). That will show exactly how they're calculating your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount).

I had the same issue but the other way around!! Rep quoted me higher than online. I went with it and actually got the higher amount. Sometimes I think it just depends which rep you talk to tbh

This is a classic SSA problem - left hand doesn't know what the right is doing!!! The website calculations are NOTORIOUSLY off. I've been dealing with this for 3 yrs now trying to plan my retirement. EVERY TIME I call I get a different answer. Last week one rep told me $1825 and then I called again the next day and got quoted $1760!!! How are we supposed to plan with this garbage information?? And don't even get me started on trying to reach someone competent on the phone. I wasted 4 HOURS last month on hold only to be disconnected TWICE.

The difference is likely due to the approach each system uses to calculate your benefit. The online calculator makes certain assumptions and projections that may not be entirely accurate for your specific situation. Based on my experience, the rep's calculation is typically more accurate because they have access to the most up-to-date information and can apply specific rules to your case. The $175 difference you're seeing could be due to several factors: 1. Earnings record differences (latest earnings not yet recorded online) 2. Different calculation methods (online tools use approximations) 3. Early retirement reduction factors being applied differently 4. Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) being calculated differently I would recommend asking the rep specifically what's causing the discrepancy. Request they walk through the calculation with you. If they won't, call back and try a different rep.

im so confused about all these calculatons! does this mean i should always call instead of trusting the website?? also whats FRA mean?

My cousin works for ssa and says the online calculators r simplified versions. Phone reps have the real thing

One thing no one's mentioned is that the online estimate might not be correctly applying the early retirement reduction. If you're filing 2.5 years before your FRA, there's approximately a 13.75% reduction (0.5% per month for the first 36 months). The online calculator sometimes applies these reductions differently than the actual processing system the reps use. Also, sometimes the online system doesn't properly account for the month of entitlement and payment rules. Benefits are paid the month after they're due, and there's a 1-month lag in the first payment that sometimes isn't factored into online estimates.

Update us after you call back! I'm curious what they say about the discrepancy. My experience is that half the reps don't know the rules themselves very well so keep calling until you get someone who seems knowledgeable.