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I got widowed in 2019 and got hit with the GPO too because of my federal pension. I actually called my local office last week about something else and asked about this while I had them on the phone. The rep specifically said I don't need to do anything since I'm already getting the reduced amount. She said they'll be adjusting everyone automatically starting in 2025 and it'll happen in phases over 3 years.
how did u even get someone on the phone??? i try calling my local office and it always sends me to the national number where i sit on hold forever
Thank you all for the responses! This has been incredibly helpful. I'm going to ignore my friend's advice and trust that SSA will adjust my benefits automatically as their website states. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge - it's given me peace of mind knowing I'm not missing some crucial deadline. I might try that Claimyr service just to get official confirmation from SSA, but it sounds like I'm already doing everything right by simply waiting for the automatic adjustment in 2025.
Before WEP repeal I lost $413 every month because I worked for state government AND private sector. THE GOVERNMENT STOLE MY MONEY FOR YEARS!!! Now that WEP is gone they're STILL finding ways to take our money. Check your payment carefully - they're probably still applying a "partial" WEP reduction. The whole system is rigged against public servants!!!
While I understand your frustration, the WEP repeal is actually being phased in gradually through 2027. For 2025, beneficiaries are receiving 33% of their previously withheld amount, with additional increases each year until full implementation. This was clearly outlined in the legislation. It's not a case of SSA "finding ways to take money" but rather following the law as written.
Regarding your payment schedule going forward - yes, with your birth date falling in the range for 3rd Wednesday payments, that will be your regular payment date for February benefits onward. The January benefit was just handled differently because it was your initial claim. As for the $92 difference from your estimate, if you're not on Medicare and didn't request tax withholding, it's most likely related to the WEP transitional provisions. For 2025, beneficiaries affected by WEP are receiving 33% of their previously withheld amount, with that percentage increasing annually until 2027 when the full amount will be restored. Your award letter will break down the exact calculation. If you don't receive it within two weeks, definitely call SSA for clarification.
I had so many problems with my Social Security account that I just gave up and have everything set up for direct deposit now. I check my bank account instead of their website. Much less stressful! But just so you know, I've found that when they do maintenance on the website, it usually comes back up within 48 hours.
I scheduled my bills around my SS deposit dates! For end of month birthdays (21-31) payments come on 4th Wednesday. April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24, October 22, November 26, and December 24 are the 4th Wednesdays for rest of 2025.
Don't get too excited about the Fairness Act. They've been trying to pass this for TWENTY YEARS with no success! Congress doesn't care about retired teachers or police officers. All talk, no action. I'll believe it when I see it.
While I understand your frustration, there is more momentum now than ever before. The current bill has 305 cosponsors in the House (more than 70% of representatives) and 43 in the Senate. That's unprecedented support. Yes, there are legitimate funding concerns, but dismissing it entirely isn't helpful. Many advocacy groups believe some form of relief will pass in the next 1-2 years, even if it's not the full repeal originally proposed.
Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses! This gives me much better clarity on how to advise my client. To summarize what I've learned: 1. Yes, deemed filing actually works in her favor here - she's already technically applied for ex-spousal benefits 2. If GPO is repealed, SSA would recalculate and pay her the higher amount 3. She should be prepared to contact SSA when/if legislation passes to ensure her case is reviewed 4. Implementation could take months even after passage 5. There's a good chance we'll see some modification rather than full repeal This has been extremely valuable - much appreciated!
You've got it exactly right. One final tip: have your client verify that her ex-spouse is properly linked to her record at SSA. Sometimes these connections aren't properly established in the system, which could delay any potential benefit adjustment. She can confirm this by requesting a copy of her Social Security Statement or asking specifically about this when speaking with an SSA representative.
Sophia Long
I've been dealing with both WEP and GPO for YEARS and can tell you that the key factor is WHO earned what. In your situation: 1. YOU earned SS benefits through YOUR work = You get your full SS retirement 2. YOUR HUSBAND earned a federal pension that pays you survivor benefits = Doesn't trigger GPO on your own SS GPO would only apply if YOU worked a government job not covered by SS AND tried to claim SS spousal/widow benefits based on your husband's SS record. WEP would only apply if YOU worked both SS-covered AND non-SS-covered jobs. Since neither applies to you, there's no reduction and no indicator needed on your account. You're receiving exactly what you're entitled to!
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Angelica Smith
•THIS IS WHY THE SYSTEM IS SO UNFAIR!!! My friend worked for the county for 30 years and ALSO paid into SS from a part-time job, but when she retired her SS was slashed to almost NOTHING because of WEP!!! Meanwhile other people get to double-dip with no penalties!!! The whole system needs to be fixed!!!!!
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Sophia Long
•That's a different situation entirely. Your friend's case involves WEP because she personally worked in both covered and non-covered employment. The original poster is not in that situation at all. She worked only in SS-covered employment and is receiving a survivor pension from her husband. These are completely different scenarios under the law.
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Zachary Hughes
i think your fine but maybe they just havent caught up with you yet? my uncle got a letter 18 months after he started getting benefits saying they made a mistake and he had to pay back $$$. i would just save some money just in case they come after you later. SSA is so behind on everything
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Rachel Clark
•This isn't a case of SSA being behind. The rules about GPO are very specific - it doesn't apply to the original poster's situation at all. There would be no reason for SSA to send a notice or make any adjustment to her benefits. The system is working correctly in this case.
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