Social Security payment center 'exceptions' holding up my GPO-repeal benefits - what's going on?

Those 'exceptions' are actually system flags that get triggered when certain conditions in your claim need manual review. In your case, it's likely related to the GPO repeal implementation since that's very new and payment centers are still figuring out the processing details. Two common exceptions for ex-spousal claims involve: (1) verification of the divorce duration requirement, and (2) confirmation that your own retirement benefit would be less than the ex-spousal benefit. Since you've already been on Medicare through your own record, that might be creating a discrepancy the system flagged. I'd recommend calling the National 800 number and specifically requesting a 'status update on payment center exceptions.' Ask them to leave a message for the payment center requesting they call you regarding the specific exceptions. Also verify they have your correct phone number on file.

THIS IS HAPPENING TO EVERYONE WHO APPLIED AFTER THE GPO REPEAL!!! I'm in almost the exact same situation - 30+ years as a teacher, ex-husband worked in private sector, divorced 18 years ago. I applied the DAY the repeal went into effect and my claim has been sitting at the payment center for 9 WEEKS with these same "exceptions"!!! I've called SSA six times and gotten six different explanations. One rep told me they're processing GPO repeal claims in batches and I'm just waiting for my batch. Another said there's a "special review" for all teacher pensions. A third had no idea what I was talking about. It's INFURIATING because we're legally entitled to these benefits now and they're just sitting on our money while we wait!!!!

my uncle had similir problem last month w/ exceptions on his claim. he just kept calling til he got someone who new what they were doing. took him like 5 calls but then they fixed it in like 3 days once he found the right person! sometimes u just gotta be persistent lol

I'm a retired SSA claims specialist, and those payment center exceptions are likely related to the GPO repeal implementation. The payment centers are using special processing codes for these claims, and many of them require manual review to ensure accurate payment. A few things to consider: 1. When you filed, did you specifically reference the GPO repeal as why you're now eligible? If not, that could cause confusion. 2. Did you provide proof of your pension amount from your teaching career? This is essential for calculating the correct benefit amount. 3. Your Medicare being on your own record isn't unusual at all and shouldn't cause issues. I'd recommend requesting a "technical expert" when you call. They have more experience with complex claims. Ask them to send a "priority message" to the payment center requesting status on your specific exceptions. If you don't get resolution within another 2 weeks, contact your Congressional representative's office - they have liaisons who can expedite.

i don't understand why everyone's so upset about waiting a few weeks. the government always takes forever for everything! my disability claim took 9 months to process back in 2021. just be patient, they'll get to it eventually.

My situation was slightly different but I had an "exception" on my widower's benefits claim last year. Turned out someone had entered my birthdate incorrectly, just one digit off. Took 3 months to resolve because no one would tell me what the actual exception was. I finally got it fixed when I went IN PERSON to my local office and refused to leave until someone looked into it. Sometimes you just have to be the squeaky wheel.

I had a similar issue with my ex-spousal benefits claim last month. After weeks of getting nowhere with the regular SSA number, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a representative without the endless hold times. They have a video demonstrating how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I reached was actually able to see the specific exceptions on my claim and explained that one was related to my pension verification and the other was a system flag for the GPO repeal claims. They sent a message to the payment center requesting urgent resolution due to financial hardship, and my claim was processed within a week after that. The key is getting someone who will actually look at the specific exceptions rather than just giving generic information.

Just a quick update on GPO repeal claims - I've heard from several clients that SSA is now starting to process the backlog more quickly. Several people who applied in the first month after the repeal just received approval notices this week. It seems like the payment centers finally received complete processing instructions about two weeks ago. One thing that might help: make sure your online my Social Security account is set up with accurate contact information. Some payment centers are sending electronic messages there rather than paper notices for these claims.