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My sister worked for SSA for 35 years and told me they NEVER automatically give you the best deal! You HAVE to ask specifically or they'll just keep quiet and you lose money forever! They shoulda told you all this when you first applied but they dont care about us seniors!
This isn't entirely accurate. While it's always good to be informed about your benefits, the SSA systems are designed to automatically calculate dual entitlement (when someone is eligible for their own retirement plus spousal benefits). However, it is true that they don't automatically *advise* you on claiming strategies that might maximize your benefits. They'll process what you apply for, but they don't typically suggest when you should file or how to coordinate between spouses. That's why it's good to do research or talk to a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies.
Thank you all for the helpful information! I've learned so much from this discussion. We're going to reconsider when my husband should file based on all your advice about spousal and survivor benefits. I think we need to look at this as a family strategy rather than just individual benefits like someone suggested. I'm also going to make an appointment with our local SSA office to make sure we understand all our options before making a decision. The difference between filing at 65 versus waiting until 70 could mean tens of thousands of dollars over our lifetime. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain things so clearly!
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just make sure they apply within 30 days!!! SS doesn't backdate payments if u wait!
This isn't correct. SSA will backdate survivor benefit applications for up to 6 months, but not beyond that. So while it's best to apply immediately, the 30-day deadline mentioned isn't accurate. They shouldn't delay, but they have more than 30 days.
Random question but did your sister-in-law ever work for a state government that didn't participate in Social Security? My aunt found out her husband's survivor benefits were reduced because of something called the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Just something to look into if she ever had non-SS employment.
That's a good point to consider. Fortunately, my sister-in-law only worked in the private sector, so WEP and GPO shouldn't apply in her case. I appreciate you bringing this up though - it could help someone else reading this thread.
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has she checked out the state medicaid? my sister got on that while waiting for disability and it covered all her heart meds and doctor visits. the income limits are pretty low but if shes not working much might qualify???
This is good advice. Medicaid eligibility varies by state, but it's definitely worth checking. Some states have expanded Medicaid coverage for adults with limited income. There are also prescription assistance programs like GoodRx or NeedyMeds that might help reduce medication costs significantly.
To address your question about whether she should have avoided applying for retirement: Unfortunately, that's a complicated cost-benefit analysis everyone in this situation needs to make individually. Pros of taking early retirement during SSDI appeal: - Immediate income - Possible Medicare eligibility after 24 months Cons: - Permanently reduced benefits if SSDI claim ultimately fails - Slightly complicates the disability case There's no clear right answer. About 45% of SSDI claims are approved at the ALJ hearing level, but that means many are still denied. The backlog for hearings is currently 12-18 months in most areas. If her condition is deteriorating without proper medical care, getting treatment through work insurance might actually strengthen her case by documenting her conditions better. Just make sure she doesn't push herself to the point of serious harm trying to maintain a job she truly cannot do.
That makes sense. I think at this point, her priority has to be getting the cardiac care she needs. Hopefully, the documentation from these new doctor visits will actually strengthen her case by showing how serious her condition is. Thank you for the balanced perspective.
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my uncle waited til 70 to collect his SS even though he got medicare at 65. got an extra 30% on his monthly check cuz he waited! smart move if you can afford to wait
That's my ideal scenario! I was just misinformed that I had to take both at the same time. If I can get Medicare now and wait on SS until 67 or even 70, that would be wonderful.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that if you decide to apply for Medicare only at 65, you'll need to pay the Medicare Part B premiums directly (they won't be deducted from your Social Security payment since you won't be receiving one yet). In 2025, the standard Part B premium is projected to be around $185-$190 per month, though it could be higher depending on your income. You'll receive quarterly bills from Medicare or can set up automatic payments from your bank account. Just something to budget for!
That's a really helpful point I hadn't considered. I'll make sure to budget for paying those premiums directly. Is the process for setting up automatic payments straightforward?
Yes, it's fairly simple. Medicare offers a program called Medicare Easy Pay, which allows automatic deductions from your checking or savings account. When you receive your first Medicare premium bill, it will include instructions for enrolling in Easy Pay. You'll need your Medicare number, bank information, and to complete a short form (SF-5510). You can also pay by credit card, check, or through your bank's online bill pay service.
Emma Bianchi
When my mother had a similar issue with SSA misclassifying some income, we ended up contacting our Congressional representative's office. They have caseworkers who deal with federal agencies, and they contacted SSA on her behalf. The issue was resolved within 3 weeks after struggling for months on our own. Might be worth considering if your local office visit doesn't help.
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Jibriel Kohn
•I never thought about involving my representative. That's a great backup plan if the local office visit and Form SSA-632 don't work. Thanks for sharing what worked for your mother.
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Mia Green
And watch out for the tax implications too!! If they eventually rule in your favor and pay back all the money they took, they might count THAT as income for the year they repay you!!! The whole system is a NIGHTMARE of circular problems!!!
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
•This is partially correct. If they repay withheld benefits, it's not counted as new income, but you may need to file an amended return for the tax year in which the overpayment occurred. The IRS has specific rules for Social Security repayments under the "claim of right" doctrine. You'll want to consult with a tax professional when this is resolved.
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