[Gunny2403]

Originally Posted by jaj523

I have several issues regarding Social Security that I would like to discuss with an expert. Who would I contact? A lawyer? Is there a Social Security office around here somewhere? Thanks!

SS Office in Leesburg. Been there several times and always had my issues resolved

[Villagesgal]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

In Leesburg there is a SS office just off 441

I used this gentleman when the Leesburg ss office was quoting me a rate smaller than my husband was receiving at death. Rusty told me exactly what to say and was willing to be on call if that didn't clear things up. The difference per month was substantial and 2 different SS workers told me the same thing. They were wrong, Rusty was right. He does this free of charge. He has a regular article in the Daily Sun once a week. This made a huge difference to me. Call him or email him. He's great and God bless him for helping us all.

[Nucky]

The last time I went past the SS office near the split on 27 & 441 it was occupied again but it sure didn’t have the volume of people that a SS office would normally have. Check out the address before you go.

[msilagy]

Google is my friend, yours?

[lpkruege1]

Originally Posted by jaj523

I have several issues regarding Social Security that I would like to discuss with an expert. Who would I contact? A lawyer? Is there a Social Security office around here somewhere? Thanks!

Have you tried AMAC? They offer advice to members.
https://amac.us/social-security/?utm...RoC2GEQAvD_BwE

[golf4dns]

If you cannot resoIve your questions over the phone you can set up an appointment with the Social Security office in Leesburg. That should save you line time.

[sowilts]

They have walk-in appointments first come first serve. Agree don’t need a lawyer. They take your concerns and send them on up the chain and you have a right to dispute. Website is minimal. I had issues for five years now and finally had the issue resolved. Leesberg office is fantastic.

[nn0wheremann]

Originally Posted by jaj523

I DID go to the SS web site with my question, and my question was diverted to something called "Just Answer," which put me in direct contact with a CPA who I assumed worked for Social Security. I posed my question, which had to do with collecting a benefit from my former husband should he pass away before I do. I currently get a portion of his retirement pay, which will cease at his death. The supposed CPA asked a couple of questions, which I had already answered in my query (our ages, how long we were married, etc.). I then was informed by "Just Answer" that the service is $5, and I was asked for a credit card. Sensing a scam, I hesitated but since it was only $5, I agreed. He then responded again with the same useless canned answer. I am going to ask for my money back. How can the SS web site respond to a question by sending the inquirer to a pay-for-answer web site? Where can I report this rip off?

SSA.gov did not refer you to just answer.com. You were phished.
Report scam to < https://secure.ssa.gov/ipff/home>
You can collect Surviving Divorced Wife’s benefits if you survive your ex and you currently collect divorced wife’s benefits.
Like most SSA offices, the Leesburg office is woefully under-staffed. Expect a two hour wait. Best to call the teleservice number and make an appointment. Teleservice from SSA is hit-and-miss. Best to call mid-afternoon and middle of the month, but never on Wednesdays (check day) or Thursdays.
Most attorneys have little or no knowledge of Social Security, beyond how to collect 25% of your past due disability benefits for themselves.

[FredTheHead]

All great answers. When I used to work for Social Security I made sure clients got an answer in writing that they could rely on. That also meant having their question being written down. I can't tell you how many times questions got worded differently each time a person tried to repeat it in a conversation. Try looking for an answer on the Social Security website.

[REDCART]

Originally Posted by Mikethetennisplayer

The Daily Sun has a Social Security question and answer article every Monday. It is written by a guy named Rusty, who works for the AMAC foundation. He is extremely knowledgeable. They will answer your Social Security questions by phone free of charge, but will ask for a voluntary donation since it is a nonprofit. AMAC’s number is 888-750-2632

Everyone’s advice while well-meaning overlooks
the possibility that the answer may very well depend on benefit amounts that only a SS employee would have access to, and an outside technical expert would not have. For example, a divorced widow married several times at least 10 years to each, may claim the highest widows benefit amount from her prior marriages.

[Ptmckiou]

Go to SS.gov and read up. They answer all your questions about death of spouse and benefits.

[KShowalter]

Originally Posted by jaj523

I DID go to the SS web site with my question, and my question was diverted to something called "Just Answer," which put me in direct contact with a CPA who I assumed worked for Social Security. I posed my question, which had to do with collecting a benefit from my former husband should he pass away before I do. I currently get a portion of his retirement pay, which will cease at his death. The supposed CPA asked a couple of questions, which I had already answered in my query (our ages, how long we were married, etc.). I then was informed by "Just Answer" that the service is $5, and I was asked for a credit card. Sensing a scam, I hesitated but since it was only $5, I agreed. He then responded again with the same useless canned answer. I am going to ask for my money back. How can the SS web site respond to a question by sending the inquirer to a pay-for-answer web site? Where can I report this rip off?

My former husband actually did die and was drawing full SS while I was still working last year. I had no idea I would be eligible for his SS. I did apply and started receiving his benefit monthly until I retired in January 2023. Then I had to ask SS to turn his off and begin mine since it was higher.
So the answer to your question is as long as you were married at least 10 years and you were born before 1955 (I think) you would qualify but you must apply for the benefit! I had to take a original copy of my marriage license and divorce decree with the judge's signature to the SS Office-no copies.

[Worldseries27]

Originally Posted by kshowalter

my former husband actually did die and was drawing full ss while i was still working last year. I had no idea i would be eligible for his ss. I did apply and started receiving his benefit monthly until i retired in january 2023. Then i had to ask ss to turn his off and begin mine since it was higher.
So the answer to your question is as long as you were married at least 10 years and you were born before 1955 (i think) you would qualify but you must apply for the benefit! I had to take a original copy of my marriage license and divorce decree with the judge's signature to the ss office-no copies.

welcome aboard

[rsmurano]

IMO, talking to the SS office is the worst thing to do. The old saying, if you don't like what you hear from the 1st SS agent, call back and you will get another opinion. I wouldn't pay for this type of advice either. What is a lawyer going to know about SS? There are many ways to find out the ins and outs on what to do with your SS, take it early, at FRA, or at 70. My brokerage house (Schwab) put me in contact with their resident expert to go over SS ideas a year or 2 before I retired and we spent over an hour discussing strategies, all for free. A lot of his advice correlated with all the books and articles I read before hand and it worked out.

[rjm1cc]

I would try your questions here or a retirement board to educate yourself. Then try the SS office or an expert.
When I started SS I went to the local office to discuss an sign up. Told I was wrong on some of my understandings so I went along with the SS employee's recommendations. He was wrong and it took about 6 months to get the corrections processed. I was correct. Moved and went to new SS office. Expert advice and help. Point is SS may not give you correct answer so educate yourself.