Social Security survivor benefits not recalculated at FRA - 7 months waiting for retroactive payment

Yes, you should definitely get retroactive adjustment! When I hit my FRA last year, it took about 2 months for them to remove the earnings test penalty and adjust my survivor benefits. They sent me a letter explaining the recalculation and then a lump sum payment for the months they had reduced my check. Seven months is WAY too long to wait - something is wrong with your case. You need to call them ASAP.

my mom had somethin similar happen!!! she got survivors too and worked part time at walmart. when she hit FRA they only paid her back like 4 months later. but they did it automatic no phone calls needed. maybe call them to check whats going on?? could be they made a mistake in ur record

The SSA does not automatically adjust survivor benefits in all cases when you reach FRA. While they should remove the earnings test, they don't always process it promptly. You need to contact them directly and request a benefits recalculation review. Bring documentation showing your FRA date and work history. The retroactive payment should go back to the month you reached FRA, but they won't process it until you specifically request the review. This is especially true if you've had variable earnings that affected your benefit amounts in previous years.

I recently helped a friend with this exact situation. She was on survivor benefits, working part-time, and when she hit FRA last year, nothing happened automatically. After months of trying to call with no success, we used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to reach an actual agent. They connected her within about 20 minutes when she had been trying for weeks with no luck. The agent confirmed there was an oversight in her case and initiated the recalculation immediately. You can see how the service works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - definitely worth it when you're dealing with retroactive benefits that could be thousands of dollars.

Let me clarify how this process works since there seems to be confusion: 1) When you reach FRA, the earnings test no longer applies going forward 2) SSA should automatically adjust your ongoing monthly benefit amount 3) For months where you received reduced benefits due to the earnings test between age 62-FRA, SSA will conduct an Automatic Earnings Reappraisal Operation (AERO) 4) The AERO recomputation typically happens annually, not immediately at FRA 5) Any adjustment for withheld benefits should be spread out and added to your monthly payments gradually, not as one lump sum Seven months is concerning though. I recommend requesting an appointment at your local field office where they can review your specific situation. Bring your most recent Social Security statement, any decision letters about reduced benefits, and proof of your earnings history.

i just remmbered somethin important, did u report ur earnings to SSA every year?? my aunt didnt do that and they never knew she was working so they never did the recalculation thing. u might need to bring ur w2s from those years.

Based on your responses, I strongly recommend the following steps: 1. First, check your MySocialSecurity account online to verify your earnings record is correct for all years you worked while receiving survivor benefits. 2. Print out your earnings record from the portal. 3. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (be prepared for long wait times) and specifically request a "Post-FRA Earnings Test Recalculation Review" for your survivor benefits. 4. If you can't get through by phone, you should schedule an in-person appointment at your local office. You are entitled to retroactive adjustment back to your FRA month. The fact that it's been 7 months suggests something has fallen through the cracks in processing your case. This happens more frequently than SSA likes to admit, especially with survivor benefits that involve the earnings test.

Update us when you get this resolved! I'm curious how much backpay you'll get. When my mom finally got her survivor benefits recalculated after FRA, she received about $7,400 in backpay from all the months they had reduced her check due to working. It was life-changing for her!

AM I THE ONLY ONE who thinks its RIDICULOUS that we have to jump through all these hoops?? The SSA KNOWS when we reach FRA. They KNOW they've been reducing our benefits. They KNOW when the earnings test should stop applying. WHY do we have to call them and REMIND them to do their jobs!?!? I've been fighting with them for 3 MONTHS over my husband's SSI/SSDI mixup and can't get ANYONE to help!!

UPDATE: I finally got through to SSA! The agent confirmed there was an error in my case. Apparently, they had me coded incorrectly in their system, which prevented the automatic recalculation at FRA. They're fixing it now and said I should receive the retroactive adjustment within 30-60 days. The agent said the back payment will be for all reduced benefits from June 2024 (my FRA month) through now. Thank you all for encouraging me to keep pushing on this!