Everyone's talking about GPO but what about WEP??? My brother-in-law had both government pension and SS and lost almost ALL his SS because of Windfall Elimination Provision! It's so unfair how they calculate these things! They're basically penalizing people TWICE for working government jobs!

Thank you all for the helpful information! I made an appointment at our local SSA office for next month to apply for the spousal benefits. I'll make sure we bring documentation for both pensions. I'm glad to hear the VA disability pension doesn't count toward the GPO - that gives us a better chance of getting something extra. I really appreciate everyone's advice!

my uncle had his ss cut because of his state job pension! he was a teacher and didnt pay ss taxes so thats why. sounds like your fine if you paid ss taxes. govmnt rules are so confusing!!!!!

Since your case seems clear (no WEP because you paid Social Security taxes while earning your pension), the only other thing to check is if any portion of your 28 years at the company might have been exempt from Social Security taxes. Some companies switched plans during certain time periods. Might be worth checking your W-2s from those earliest years just to be 100% certain. But it sounds like you're fine!

Just a heads up! The earnings recalculation is automatic BUT sometimes they miss it. My husband's wasn't done until he called and asked about it. Then they found the "error" and fixed it with back payment. So apply now, but mark your calendar for October 2025 to check if your benefit increased from the 2024 earnings.

btw if ur turning FRA in march but apply now ur not loosing 8% per year anymore anyway. once ur at FRA thats done. just the max u can get at that point

To address your initial question about the precise timing: When you submit your application in July 2025, you'll select the month you want benefits to begin (could be July, August, or even retroactive up to 6 months, but not before age 62). Only earnings after your entitlement month count toward the limit. For example, if you choose August 2025 as your start month: - January-July 2025 earnings: Don't count toward limit - August-December 2025 earnings: Count toward a prorated annual limit The 2025 monthly limit is projected to be around $1,860, so your prorated limit for 5 months would be approximately $9,300 as you calculated. Stay under that amount from August-December, and you'll receive full benefits for those months. One more tip: Benefits are paid the month after they're due. So August benefits arrive in September, which sometimes confuses people tracking their earnings.

That's exactly right. The earnings limit is based on when you're entitled to benefits, not when you receive the payment. So if your entitlement starts in August, you start counting August earnings even though you won't see that first payment until September. It might help to think of it this way: you're entitled to August benefits that get paid in September. The earnings limit applies to the entitlement month (August), not the payment month. Another tip from my experience - keep a very detailed record of all your earnings after your benefits start. I created a simple spreadsheet showing my weekly pay and running total to make sure I stayed under the limit. It gave me peace of mind knowing exactly where I stood each month.

My neighbor went thru this last year and she said don't forget the $255 death benefit! I know it's not much but every little bit helps right now I'm sure.

To answer your follow-up question: Yes, if your mom takes reduced survivor benefits now at 61, she can absolutely switch to her own retirement benefit later if it would be higher. This is called the "restricted application" strategy for survivors. Since she's still working part-time, she should be aware of the earnings limit. In 2025, if she earns more than $22,300 while collecting survivor benefits before her FRA, SSA will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 she earns above that limit. The good news is that any benefits withheld aren't lost forever - they'll be returned to her in the form of a benefit recalculation after she reaches FRA. Also, don't forget that she needs to apply for benefits within 3 months of your father's passing to potentially get back payments to the month of his death.