Reply #2: Social Security is still filled with professionals

[elfin]

who help you get what you are entitled to. I was amazed at the help I got after my husband died. They checked every detail to my benefit and got me a "death after disability" payment which I had never heard about. It really helped.

Bush etal are probably making this more difficult now - depends on who you get on the phone. Just keep trying is my advice to those who come up empty. Making an appointment to go in person and finding someone who is aroud 50 or thereabouts is probably the best strategy for those having problems.