Has anyone here actually had success getting the GPO removed or reduced?? I read somewhere that if you work your last 5 years in a job covered by Social Security the GPO doesn't apply?? Is that true??

As a fellow educator who's been navigating these waters, I want to emphasize what others have said - your children's benefits are completely safe from any GPO or WEP reductions. That's the most important thing right now. I'd also suggest creating a my Social Security account online if you haven't already. While it won't show GPO calculations, you can see your earnings history and get benefit estimates. This will help you prepare for future decisions about when to claim benefits and whether your own retirement benefit might be better than the GPO-reduced widow's benefit. One thing I learned from my own research: some states have modified their teacher retirement systems in recent years. Depending on when you started teaching and which state you're in, you might be in a "hybrid" system where you DO pay Social Security taxes on part of your earnings. This could affect your GPO calculation, so it's worth verifying with your pension administrator exactly what type of system you're in. The key is getting accurate information now so you can plan ahead. Don't let the confusing phone calls discourage you - your situation is manageable once you understand the rules.

Great to hear you're making progress! The Illinois Community Care Program is definitely worth pursuing - they often have waitlists but can provide valuable support. When you call SSA through Claimyr, I'd suggest having a list of specific questions written down beforehand, including your exact benefit amounts and dates. That way you can get precise calculations rather than general guidance. Also ask them to walk through the spousal benefit math step-by-step so you understand exactly what to expect when you reach FRA. Looking forward to your update - these complex benefit interactions affect so many families and real-world examples are incredibly helpful for others navigating the same challenges.

As someone new to navigating SS benefits, I'm finding this thread incredibly helpful! My situation is somewhat similar - I'm caring for my disabled adult son while dealing with my own health issues. A few things I've learned that might help: 1) For Illinois specifically, definitely look into the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) services through the Department of Human Services. They have a Family Support Program that can provide some financial assistance for families caring for adults with disabilities at home. 2) Also check if your daughter qualifies for the Support Waiver or the Children's Residential Services waiver programs - these can sometimes provide respite care or other supportive services that could ease your financial burden. 3) One thing that caught my attention - you mentioned your daughter receives both SSDI and SSI. Make sure SSA is aware of all her living arrangements and expenses. Sometimes there are work incentives or other programs that can help maximize her benefits without affecting eligibility. The system is definitely overwhelming, but this community has been a lifesaver for understanding all these complex rules. Thank you to everyone sharing their experiences - it really helps those of us just starting to figure this all out!

One last important point: Make sure you both have continuous earnings records with Social Security. If either of you has years with zero or low earnings, working a bit longer could potentially increase your benefit amounts by replacing those lower-earning years in the calculation. SSA uses your highest 35 years of earnings (indexed for inflation) to calculate benefits. This might be particularly relevant for your wife if she had years out of the workforce.

Just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who recently went through this process. Based on everyone's responses, it sounds like you've got the right understanding now - your wife should file at her FRA since she won't get any spousal benefits anyway. But here's something to consider: even though she won't get spousal benefits now, if your circumstances change (like if you become disabled or pass away), the survivor benefits could be significantly higher since you're waiting until 70. So your strategy of her filing at FRA and you waiting until 70 makes sense from both a cash flow and long-term planning perspective. Also, I'd recommend calling SSA about 3-4 months before her FRA to start the application process. Even though online is easier, sometimes it helps to have a phone conversation to confirm all the details, especially with the birth date quirk (being born on the 1st). Good luck with your planning!

Just wanted to add - if you're doing this for marriage, make sure your marriage certificate is certified! I made the mistake of bringing a regular copy and they wouldn't accept it. Had to go back to the courthouse to get a certified one. Also, if you have any questions about what counts as "certified," call ahead - some offices are pickier than others. The whole process is definitely a hassle but you'll get through it! 💪

Thanks for starting this thread! I'm actually going through the same process right now. One thing I learned from calling the SSA office directly is that you should also bring a backup form of ID if you have one (like a passport if you're bringing your driver's license as primary ID). The agent told me sometimes one form might not scan properly in their system, so having a backup can save you a trip back. Also, if you're nervous about the appointment, don't be! The staff I spoke with were really helpful and patient. You got this! 🙌

One thing that hasnt been mentioned - you should bring your marriage certificate, his death certificate, and your birth certificate to your SSA appointment. They'll need these to process any survivor benefit claim if you haven't already filed. And get there first thing in the morning when they open - the wait times get crazy after about 10am!

I'm so sorry for your loss. This is such a stressful situation to navigate while you're grieving. Based on what everyone has shared here, it sounds like you're in a much better position than you might have feared! From what I understand reading through all these responses, the key points are: - Your survivor benefits shouldn't be hit with any additional WEP reduction beyond what already affected your husband's benefits - Your own Social Security from your retail work won't be touched by WEP or GPO since you didn't work in government - You have some strategic options about when to claim which benefit I'd definitely recommend getting that appointment with a WEP/GPO specialist at SSA like others suggested. And maybe check if your husband actually had 30+ years of substantial SS earnings total - that could eliminate WEP entirely if he worked other jobs before or after his police career. The fact that you got three different answers from SSA is unfortunately pretty typical with these complex cases. Don't let that discourage you - you deserve accurate information to make the best decisions for your financial future.