Social Security spousal benefit top-off letter confusion - got SSI denial instead of appointment

This happens ALL THE TIME. The SSA has to screen everyone for SSI even when you tell them you know you're not eligible. Meanwhile your actual spousal benefit application gets delayed. You absolutely need to call them back ASAP and specifically ask about the spousal top-off appointment again. Don't wait for another letter - in my experience, that appointment letter might never come unless you follow up. Be prepared to wait on hold for HOURS though.

same thing happened to my sister last year!!! she got the SSI denial letter but never heard anything about her spousal benefits until she called back THREE TIMES. the whole system is broken if u ask me

Let me clarify a few things about this process that might help: 1. The SSA is required to screen all applicants for SSI eligibility as part of their protocol, even when you state you aren't eligible. 2. The spousal benefit top-off (technically called the "spouse's benefit") and SSI are completely separate programs with different application tracks. 3. What likely happened is that the SSI screening was completed and processed (resulting in the denial letter), but your spousal benefit application is still pending appointment scheduling. 4. Unfortunately, the current appointment backlog at many SSA offices is 2-3 months. The representative should have explained this better. I recommend calling SSA again specifically about the spouse's benefit application status. Ask them to check if you're in the appointment scheduling queue and request an estimated timeframe. You can also ask if they offer phone appointments, which sometimes have shorter wait times than in-person meetings.

I went through exactly this last year. Here's what worked for me: call back but try early morning (right when they open at 8am) or late afternoon (after 3:30pm) when call volume is lower. Specifically tell them you already completed the SSI screening and received the denial letter, but need to schedule your spousal benefit appointment. Ask them to check their system notes from your previous call. In my case, the notes confirmed I had inquired about spousal benefits but the appointment scheduling somehow got dropped after the SSI screening. Good luck!

Why is SSA so confusing!!! I don't understand why they ask about SSI when you clearly said you wanted spousal benefits. My husband and I are about to apply and now I'm worried the same thing will happen to us.

After struggling with endless busy signals and disconnected calls trying to follow up on my own spousal benefit situation, I finally tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an actual SSA agent in under 30 minutes instead of spending days trying. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. The agent I spoke with was able to check my file and confirm my appointment status right away. Saved me so much frustration!

This whole process is SO frustrating. When I applied for spousal benefits last year, they also did the SSI screening and then sent me the wrong paperwork. I had to go physically to my local office and wait 3 hours to talk to someone to fix it. Bring all your identification, your marriage certificate, and your spouse's SS info when you go in case they can process it right there. That's what finally worked for me after weeks of phone calls going nowhere.

Just to add - make sure when you call back that you specifically ask about your status in the SPOUSE'S BENEFITS application queue, not just "my application" generally. The SSA reps handle so many different programs that being specific helps them check the right system. Also, have your husband's Social Security number handy as they'll need it to look up your spousal benefit eligibility. You might also want to note the name of the person you speak with and request a confirmation number for the call as documentation.

One more thing to understand: The "top-off" spousal benefit (getting the difference between your benefit and half of your spouse's) requires that your spouse is already receiving their retirement benefit. If your spouse is only receiving SSDI but hasn't converted to retirement benefits yet, that might cause confusion in the application process. Just something to check if the representative seems confused about your eligibility when you call back.