Social Security reps gave me incorrect information that would've cost me $14,500 - always verify!

100% this! I had almost the EXACT same experience but with retirement benefits. Rep told me I couldn't file a restricted application for spousal benefits only (I'm from the pre-2000 eligible birth cohort), but when I spoke to a supervisor, they confirmed I absolutely could. Would have lost out on $800/month for 4 years! I've found Claimyr really helpful for getting through to actual SSA representatives quickly when you need to verify information. Their service at claimyr.com lets you skip the hold times (which can be 2+ hours). They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Worth it when you need answers fast or want to double-check information with different representatives.

As a former SSA employee (retired in 2022), I can explain why this happens. Most field office reps are generalists handling everything from cards to benefits. The training is inadequate, and policies change constantly. Mother's/father's benefits and widow(er)'s benefits with a child in care are commonly misunderstood. The correct rule is that you can receive widow's benefits at ANY age if you're caring for the deceased worker's child who is under 16 OR disabled. No requirement for both conditions. I always tell people to check the SSA website (specifically Publication No. 05-10084) and bring it with you to appointments.

THIS!!! I was told by THREE different reps that I couldn't receive disability benefits because I hadn't worked in the last 5 years. Turns out I was still within my disability insured period because I had 25+ years of work before becoming disabled. Finally found a knowledgeable rep who actually looked at my FULL work history instead of just the recent years. Was approved and received $29K in backpay that I almost lost because of bad info!

i think some SSA workers just make stuff up when they dont know the answer lol. i was told i couldnt get survivors benefits for my kids because their dad and i were divorced when he died. turns out thats completely false, kids can get benefits regardless of the parents marital status as long as the parent was insured. ended up getting benefits for both my children after i insisted on talking to someone else.

When my husband passed away in January, I had a similar situation but the opposite problem. The first representative told me I could get widow's benefits at age 50 (I'm 49) because I have a medical condition. But when I went to apply, a different representative clarified that early widow's benefits at 50 only apply if you meet the disability definition, not just having a general medical condition. I appreciate the second rep's honesty—it prevented me from applying for something I wasn't eligible for and potentially facing an overpayment later. So sometimes the more restrictive answer is actually correct! It's so confusing trying to navigate all these rules during an already difficult time.

my mom had this happen with medicare!! they told her that she didnt need to sign up for part b when she retired at 66 because she had health insurance from my dads work. But they didnt ask how big his company was, and it turns out you DO need to sign up if the company has less than 20 employees!! she got hit with a HUGE late enrollment penalty that follows her for life :

I'd like to add some practical advice for anyone dealing with SSA: 1. Always get the name and direct extension (if possible) of any representative you speak with 2. Ask them to add detailed notes to your file about the information they provided 3. Request written confirmation of eligibility decisions when possible 4. If applying for a benefit with specific rules, print the relevant SSA publication and bring it with you 5. If you feel the information is incorrect, politely ask, "Could you show me where that policy is written?" 6. Request to speak with a Technical Expert (TE) or supervisor for complex situations 7. Consider scheduling an appointment rather than walking in - you're more likely to see someone with experience The system is complex, and even well-meaning representatives make mistakes.

I feel like this is becoming more common with all the experienced SSA staff retiring. My neighbor worked there for 30+ years and said they're losing institutional knowledge faster than they can train new people. When I had issues getting through on the phone to verify some benefit calculation questions, I used claimyr.com to connect with an agent (worked great, and I didn't have to wait on hold forever). The first agent gave me one answer, so I called back later using the service again and got a completely different answer from another agent. The third agent finally had the correct information that matched what the SSA website said. If I hadn't been persistent, I would have made decisions based on incorrect information.

sometimes i wonder if its on purpose tbh. my uncle was told he wasnt eligible for retirement benefits because he didnt have enough credits. turns out they were only looking at his us work record and completely ignored the fact that wed moved from canada and there's a totalization agreement. he was eligible after all but missed out on almost a year of payments because of bad info.

This is such an important reminder for everyone! I work as a benefits counselor at a nonprofit, and I see this happen ALL the time. People come to us after getting incorrect information from SSA, sometimes years later when they realize they missed out on benefits they were entitled to. A few things I always tell people: - Trust but verify - even if the rep sounds confident, double-check with another source - The SSA website has gotten much better at explaining eligibility in plain language - Local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselors are trained on these rules and can help for free - Legal aid organizations often have benefits specialists who know these programs inside and out Your story about the $14,500 really drives home why persistence matters. I'm so glad you trusted your instincts and pushed back! Too many people just accept the first answer they get, especially during times of grief when you're already overwhelmed.

This is exactly the kind of advocacy we all need to do for ourselves and our families! I'm a retired federal employee (not SSA) and I've seen how institutional knowledge gets lost when experienced staff leave without proper knowledge transfer. What really concerns me is how many people don't have the confidence or knowledge to push back when they get questionable information. Your story could literally save people thousands of dollars. The "child in care" provision for widow's benefits is fundamental - any SSA rep should know that you're eligible at ANY age when caring for a child under 16, period. I always recommend people bring a friend or family member to important SSA appointments if possible. Having someone else there to ask questions or take notes can be invaluable, especially when you're dealing with grief or stress. And don't be afraid to say "I'd like to think about this" and come back later if something doesn't sound right. Thank you for sharing this - your persistence probably helped not just you but everyone who reads this thread!

As someone currently going through the SSA process myself (applying for disability benefits), this thread is both terrifying and incredibly helpful. I've already gotten conflicting information from two different representatives about my work history requirements, and now I'm wondering how many other people are out there getting bad advice. What really strikes me is how this isn't just about individual representatives making mistakes - it seems like a systemic training and knowledge management problem. When people are dealing with life-changing financial decisions (often during already stressful times like job loss, disability, or death of a spouse), getting accurate information the first time should be the standard, not the exception. I'm definitely going to start documenting everything and asking for supervisor reviews when something doesn't sound right. Has anyone had success getting SSA to correct missed benefits retroactively when you can prove you were given incorrect information initially? I'm worried about how to prove what was said in phone conversations if there's a dispute later. Thank you @facf45268409 for sharing your experience so openly - it's given me the confidence to be more assertive in questioning information that doesn't seem right.