I just joined this community after struggling with government websites for months, and wow - this thread is exactly what I needed to see! I've been putting off updating my contact info with SSA because I was dreading dealing with their website, but now I know I'm not crazy for expecting it to actually work properly. It's both frustrating and comforting to learn that these logout bugs have been affecting so many people for months. The detailed breakdown of solutions here is fantastic - from trying the mobile app to using services like Claimyr to skip hold times. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread for when I finally tackle my own account updates. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and follow up with what actually worked. This kind of community knowledge-sharing makes dealing with bureaucratic tech issues so much less overwhelming!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly grateful to have found this thread! I've been putting off updating my email address with SSA for weeks because I kept running into the same logout error that everyone here has described. Reading through all these experiences has been so validating - I was starting to think I was doing something fundamentally wrong. The range of solutions shared here is impressive, from trying different browsers and timing strategies to using services like Claimyr to bypass the notorious hold times. It's particularly helpful to see Carmen's follow-up confirming that the agent assistance route actually worked. What strikes me most is how this community doesn't just identify problems but actively shares practical workarounds and real results. The tips about screenshotting error messages, using simpler passwords temporarily, and having backup verification methods ready are exactly the kind of detailed advice that can save hours of frustration. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to making this such a comprehensive resource for dealing with SSA's technical issues. This thread will definitely be my roadmap when I tackle my own account updates!

I'm new to this community but found this discussion incredibly helpful! I'm facing a somewhat similar situation where I'm trying to understand how SSA calculates the 10-year requirement. My marriage lasted about 8 years before we separated, but due to complex financial disputes and appeals, the divorce process dragged on for nearly 3 years before being finalized - putting me at just over 11 years total. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so reassuring, especially seeing how consistent SSA's approach is across different cases. It's clear they really do only care about the legal marriage start and end dates, not the separation period or living arrangements during that time. The fact that so many people have had nearly identical timelines with lengthy divorce proceedings really shows how common this situation is. I'm particularly grateful for all the practical tips shared here - getting certified copies of documents ready early, applying up to 4 months before turning 62, and most importantly, specifically requesting consideration for ex-spouse benefits rather than assuming they'll check automatically. That last point seems crucial and could save significant delays. It's such a relief to know that what initially seemed like a complicated situation is actually very routine for SSA. Thank you to everyone who shared their real experiences - it makes all the difference to hear from people who have successfully navigated this exact process!

I'm also new here but wanted to chime in with some additional reassurance! I went through this exact scenario about 18 months ago - married for 8 years and 2 months when we separated, but the divorce took another 2 years and 10 months to finalize due to business asset disputes, giving me just over 11 years total. Like everyone else has said, SSA was completely straightforward about it. They asked for my marriage certificate (showing the wedding date) and final divorce decree (showing when the divorce became legally final), calculated the time between those two dates, and confirmed I met the 10+ year requirement. That's literally all they cared about - no questions whatsoever about our separation date, living arrangements, or any of the messy details of our divorce proceedings. The agent even mentioned that they see these situations constantly because contested divorces often take years to resolve, especially when there are significant assets involved. She said SSA has to stick to clear legal dates because they can't be investigating everyone's personal circumstances during marriage breakdowns. Based on your timeline (7 years together before separating, then almost 4 more years until final divorce), you're definitely well over the 10-year mark and should have no issues at all. Just make sure to have certified copies of both documents ready when you apply, and definitely specify that you want to be considered for ex-spouse benefits - don't assume they'll automatically check that option for you!

I'm in a similar situation - planning to retire abroad in the next few years and have been researching this extensively! One thing I'd add is to make sure you understand the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) rules if you have any foreign pensions or government benefits. Portugal has a totalization agreement with the US which can help with benefit calculations, but it's worth understanding how your Portuguese residence might affect your overall retirement income picture. Also, consider opening a Portuguese bank account before you move if possible - some expat forums mention that it's easier to do while you're still a tourist rather than after you become a resident. The bureaucracy can be quite different there! Has anyone dealt with getting their Social Security benefit verification letters translated and apostilled for Portuguese residency requirements?

I've been living in Portugal for 2 years now and receiving my Social Security without any major issues! A few things that might help with your planning: 1. **Banking**: I kept my US account with Bank of America since they have good international partnerships. Wise (formerly TransferWise) has been excellent for currency transfers with much better rates than traditional wire transfers. 2. **Portugal specifics**: You'll want to get your NIF (tax number) as soon as possible after arriving - you'll need it for almost everything. The SEF (immigration service) appointments can take months to get, so book early. 3. **Annual questionnaire**: It's really not a big deal - just confirms you're alive and still eligible. Takes 5 minutes online. 4. **Healthcare**: Portugal has excellent public healthcare that you can access as a resident. Many expats get private insurance as a supplement, but the public system is quite good. The Facebook groups "Americans & FriendsPT" and "Portugal Expats" have been incredibly helpful resources with people sharing real experiences. Portugal is very expat-friendly and the bureaucracy, while slow, is manageable. Feel free to reach out if you have specific questions about the move!

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is incredibly difficult, and having to navigate these bureaucratic issues while grieving makes it even harder. I went through something very similar when my dad passed away three years ago. The Social Security payment timing is so confusing - I remember being completely bewildered by the whole "paid in arrears but must live the entire month" rule. It really doesn't seem fair that someone who lived most of the month doesn't get any portion of that payment. I'm glad you were able to get through to SSA and get clear instructions on returning the payment. The fact that you were proactive about it will save you headaches down the road. When my father passed, I initially thought I'd wait for them to contact me, but that was a mistake - it took months and created more complications. One thing I learned is to ask SSA for a case number or confirmation number for every interaction, even when they're just giving you information. It helps if you need to reference the conversation later. Wishing you peace and strength as you work through settling his affairs.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is heartbreaking, and dealing with these administrative matters while grieving adds such an extra burden. I went through this exact situation when my mother passed away in 2023. The Social Security payment system is incredibly confusing - I remember being so stressed about whether we'd done something wrong by not immediately returning a payment we received after her death. Like others have mentioned, the "must live the entire month" rule seems harsh, but that's unfortunately how the system works. I'm really glad you were able to get through to SSA and get clear guidance. Being proactive about returning the payment is definitely the right approach - it saves so much hassle later. One small thing I'd add is to keep copies of any correspondence you receive from SSA about returning the payment, just for your records. The estate settlement process involves so much paperwork, and having everything documented helps. This community has been such a valuable resource for navigating these complex situations. Take care of yourself during this difficult time.

Great thread with lots of useful info! I wanted to add one more tip that helped me - if you're planning to apply for benefits at 62 like the original poster, remember that you'll face a permanent reduction in your monthly benefits (around 25-30% less than your full retirement age amount). Before you apply, it's worth using the SSA calculators to see exactly how much that reduction will be in dollars. Also, if you're still working when you start collecting early benefits, be aware of the earnings limit - in 2024 it's $22,320 annually. If you earn more than that, they'll reduce your benefits temporarily until you reach full retirement age. This caught me off guard initially! The good news is those "lost" benefits get added back to your monthly amount once you hit full retirement age, but it's good to know upfront so you can plan accordingly. The document gathering advice everyone's given is spot-on though - having everything ready definitely makes the process smoother!

This is such a comprehensive thread - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! As someone who works in retirement planning, I'd like to add a few quick points that might help: 1. **Timing tip**: Consider setting up your MySocialSecurity account at least 3-4 months before you plan to apply. This gives you time to review your earnings record and fix any errors without rushing. 2. **Document organization**: Create a simple checklist and keep both physical and digital copies in a dedicated folder. I've seen too many people scramble at the last minute! 3. **State-specific considerations**: Some states don't tax Social Security benefits, while others do. If you're considering relocating in retirement, factor this into your timing and planning. 4. **Medicare enrollment**: Don't forget that you'll also need to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, which has its own set of required documents and deadlines. It's worth researching this simultaneously since the timelines often overlap. The advice about checking your earnings record early cannot be overstated - I've helped clients who discovered significant gaps that took months to resolve. Starting early really pays off!