To directly answer your question: Unless your mother qualifies for one of the GPO exceptions, she likely won't receive additional spousal benefits. The calculation works like this: 1. Calculate potential spousal benefit: 50% of your father's PIA = $1,880 2. Calculate GPO reduction: 2/3 of government pension = $1,467 3. Subtract GPO reduction from spousal benefit: $1,880 - $1,467 = $413 4. Compare to her own benefit: $480 > $413 Since her own reduced benefit is higher than what she'd get as a spouse after GPO, she'll continue receiving just her own benefit. I'd recommend requesting a Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) from SSA to verify all calculations and check if she might qualify for any exceptions.

wait does she get any of his benefit if he passes away? or does gpo still apply to widow benefits to?

My situation was different but same question basically. I started SS at 62 and kept working and they calculated based on my currnt year income. They made me give a estimate when i filed. Then every January they send this form asking about next years income estimate. Its annoying but better than owing them money later!!! They retroactivly take money if u mess up!!

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I'm going to carefully track my earnings next year and make sure to give SSA a realistic estimate. I might try that Claimyr service too since I really need to talk to someone directly about my specific situation. I appreciate all your advice and hearing about your experiences!

my friend said to just apply online its easier and u can print everything. thats what im doing next month when i turn 67.

One last tip: If you want to verify the numbers yourself, you can use the AnyPIA software that SSA uses internally. It's available for public download from the SSA website. It's not user-friendly at all, but if you're technically inclined and want to check their math, it's an option. Just search for "AnyPIA download" on SSA.gov. The other alternative is to consult with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies. They typically charge $200-300 for a comprehensive analysis, but it might be worth it if you're making decisions that affect decades of benefits.

my sister went thru this last yr. don't forget hes still eligible for the lump sum death benefit when u pass away even with GPO. not much but its something.

One final point that might help others in similar situations: If your husband had enough Social Security-covered employment (40 quarters/10 years), he would be exempt from the WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) that could otherwise reduce his own benefit. But GPO still applies to spousal benefits regardless of quarters of coverage. The distinction between WEP (affects your own benefit) and GPO (affects spousal/survivor benefits) confuses many people. And unfortunately, there's been legislation proposed to reform these provisions for years but nothing has passed yet.

One practical suggestion: Have your mother request an appointment with a Technical Expert at her local Social Security office, not just a regular claims representative. Technical Experts have more advanced training on these complex benefit calculation scenarios and can provide detailed explanations of how her specific benefit was calculated. Make sure she brings documentation of your father's disability approval, death certificate, and any correspondence about benefits. Ask specifically for a written explanation of how her survivor benefit was calculated and have them document any questions about alternative calculations in her file. If she believes there's been a mistake, she can request a reconsideration, but be aware these are rarely successful without clear evidence of a calculation error.

Just want to add my two cents that whatever amount they calculate, your mom should double-check it. When I got survivor benefits they miscalculated the first time and it was almost $300 less than it should have been! I had to fight with them for 3 months to get it fixed and get backpay.