Changing to spousal benefits for social security
My wife is a retired teacher, Oak Lawn, IL. After WEP changed and my wife received a payment for the “difference” that social security calculated, I thought that the amount was incorrect. I thought that she should have received a spousal benefit. Based on a number of questions that you were asked on the John Williams Show, my wife and I called the social security help desk at 800-772-1213. We were not able to get through, were put on hold at different times for up to 3 hours or just disconnected after holding. We have continued to call since April but without luck.
We went to the social security office in Palos Heights, IL to discuss but a message on the door instructed us to call the help desk to schedule an appointment. It seems impossible to schedule a meeting or even talk with anyone.
My benefit is $3,435 and her benefit is $652. We purchased Maximize my Social Security and ran the numbers. As you may have guessed, she is not getting her spousal benefit.
We tried to make sure she was listed as my spouse, 48 years next week on the ssa.gov website but the site will not allow us to change anything. We even tried to submit a new application without luck.
Do you have any suggestions on how we can schedule an appointment with someone at our social security office?
Thank you,
Terry Says
OK, let me get the facts straight. She is entitled to HALF your SS benefit, assuming it is larger than yours — while you are alive. At your death, she would be entitled to your full benefit.
Since there is no longer a WEP reduction, she should be receiving around $1700/month.
And you can’t get SS to correct that?
Is that the correct synopsis of your situation?
Let me post this answer, then I can use the link to contact either Larry Kotlikoff or one of my few remaining contacts at SS! Please respond to the email you receive saying your question has been answered — and give me your best contact phone number.
