Social Security benefit amounts keep changing - 3 different letters plus My SS Account disappeared

The EXACT same thing happened to me!!! Got 3 different letters with 3 different amounts. When I finally got through to someone they said something about my record having a "computation error" that needed to be fixed manually. It took FOUR MONTHS to get it straightened out!!!! During that time I got paid different amounts each month and they even skipped one month entirely!!! The SSA system is completely BROKEN. I ended up having to go to my local office and sit there for 5 hours to get someone to actually look at my file properly.

sounds like ur dealing with the family maximum benefit limit. when u have multiple people collecting on one record (u, wife, disabled daughter) theres a max total that can be paid. thats prob why ur getting less than expected.

What you're experiencing is likely due to several overlapping issues. First, there's the family maximum benefit (FMB) calculation which applies when multiple beneficiaries collect on one record. Second, there appears to be a computation discrepancy in your file - this happens when earnings records need manual review. Third, there's clearly a systems issue with your My Social Security account. The most concerning part is the "CANNOT issue benefits" language, which typically appears when there's a payment hold code on your record. This could be for various reasons - potential overpayment investigation, earnings record review, or verification of information. Here's what I recommend: 1. Request a detailed benefit calculation explanation (SSA-1090-SM) 2. Submit a request for reconsideration if the amount is incorrect 3. Ask specifically about any hold codes on your record 4. Get a written explanation of how the family maximum applies to your situation The representative who told you to "just ignore" the notice isn't giving you proper guidance. This needs to be addressed directly.

I had a similar nightmare situation but with my SSDI benefits. Every time I called I got different answers about my payment amounts. Try calling your local Congressman's office - I did this and they have someone who specializes in helping constituents with Social Security problems. They contacted SSA on my behalf and suddenly things started getting fixed within a week! It's like magic how fast the SSA responds when a congressional office inquires.

Based on what you've described, you're dealing with what's called a "manual computation" situation combined with a family maximum benefit calculation. When multiple beneficiaries are involved on one record (you, your wife, and your daughter with disabilities), the system sometimes cannot automatically calculate the correct benefits. The disappearance of your benefit information from your online account is consistent with a record that's undergoing manual review and adjustment. During this period, the system often removes the beneficiary's information from online access to prevent displaying incorrect data. The multiple letters with different amounts are being generated as different SSA employees work on your record and make adjustments. The "CANNOT issue benefits" notice typically appears when there's a hold on your record while these calculations are being finalized. You need to speak with a Technical Expert or Claims Specialist at your local office, not just a Service Representative. Ask specifically for an appointment with a Technical Expert who can review your computation history and explain the family maximum calculation as it applies to your specific situation. I also recommend requesting a PEBES (Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement) by completing form SSA-7004, which will provide a complete breakdown of your benefit calculation based on your earnings history.

I've been trying to reach someone at SSA about my retirement benefits for THREE WEEKS! Keep getting disconnected or waiting on hold for hours. I finally tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) after my neighbor recommended it. They got me connected to a real SSA agent in about 20 minutes instead of the usual hours-long wait. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU For complicated situations like yours where you need to talk to someone who actually knows what they're doing, it's worth it to avoid the frustration of trying to get through on your own. I was able to get my whole situation resolved in one call once I finally got through to the right person.

To follow up on my previous comment, I want to clarify what's likely happening with your specific situation: 1. When a spouse files at FRA, they're entitled to either their own retirement benefit or up to 50% of their spouse's benefit, whichever is higher (not both). 2. With a disabled child also receiving benefits, the family maximum benefit (FMB) calculation comes into play. The FMB is typically 150-180% of the primary worker's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount). 3. When multiple beneficiaries cause the total to exceed the family maximum, proportional reductions are applied to the benefits (excluding the primary worker). 4. The manual computation required in these cases often causes exactly the issues you're seeing - multiple letters with different amounts as the calculation is refined, and temporary holds on payments until the final calculation is approved. The good news is that once resolved, you should receive any underpayments in a lump sum. Request a detailed explanation of your family maximum calculation and how it affects each beneficiary on the record. This should be provided in writing so you can verify the mathematics.

One more thing to watch out for!!! When I was dealing with my mess, I found out they had WRONG EARNINGS in my record for THREE DIFFERENT YEARS!!! That was causing part of the computation problems. Make sure you get a copy of your earnings record and check EVERY SINGLE YEAR against your W-2s or tax returns!!! I found that they were missing over $28,000 in earnings from 2015 that affected my benefit amount!!!

Have you checked if your benefit is being reduced because of WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) or GPO (Government Pension Offset)? If you ever worked for government with a pension that didn't pay into SS, that could explain the lower amount. My husband's SS was WAY less than expected because of his teacher's pension.