The FBU is working again.

There have been many posts here about how badly the FBU in London has been performing in dealing with SS applications and queries, myself included. (It took me many months and lots of effort to get my SS application approved in 2024/25)

We returned from holiday on Saturday 12th July to find a letter to my wife from the FBU stating that she might be eligible for spousal benefits and to contact them to set up an appointment. The letter provided a phone number and email address. (She has been receiving SS benefits for about 4 years and this year her benefits were increased when WEP was removed, but are still less than half mine at FRA so she could get a little bump of an extra $50-$100/month). On Monday July 14th she sent them an email requesting an appointment and today she received an email reply with an appointment date of September 11th at 9:30 when they will call her, and they requested that I also be present.

Amazing!!

This was similar to how it was back in 2021 when she first applied for her SS although it did take a few weeks from email to telephone call.

There have been many posts here about how badly the FBU in London has been performing in dealing with SS applications and queries, myself included. (It took me many months and lots of effort to get my SS application approved in 2024/25)

We returned from holiday on Saturday 12th July to find a letter to my wife from the FBU stating that she might be eligible for spousal benefits and to contact them to set up an appointment. The letter provided a phone number and email address. (She has been receiving SS benefits for about 4 years and this year her benefits were increased when WEP was removed, but are still less than half mine at FRA so she could get a little bump of an extra $50-$100/month). On Monday July 14th she sent them an email requesting an appointment and today she received an email reply with an appointment date of September 11th at 9:30 when they will call her, and they requested that I also be present.

Amazing!!

This was similar to how it was back in 2021 when she first applied for her SS although it did take a few weeks from email to telephone call.

That's good news indeed.  My wife is eligible for spousal benefit but she's only 63 at the moment so I've been trying to decide (on her behalf!) when she should claim it.  And trying to figure in the delay at the FBU in doing so.  It's the age-old argument though: take it when you can because you might die tomorrow, or wait until 67.  I took mine at 62 and don't regret it.  With the state of the SSA coffers that might be another reason not to wait too long.  Either way, this is good info. Thanks.

That's good news indeed.  My wife is eligible for spousal benefit but she's only 63 at the moment so I've been trying to decide (on her behalf!) when she should claim it.  And trying to figure in the delay at the FBU in doing so.  It's the age-old argument though: take it when you can because you might die tomorrow, or wait until 67.  I took mine at 62 and don't regret it.  With the state of the SSA coffers that might be another reason not to wait too long.  Either way, this is good info. Thanks.

I started taking mine at 62, also, and haven't regretted it for a minute. I can't remember the break-even age I need to live to in order for it to be a losing strategy, but if I live that long, I'll just be happy I'm still alive.