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Just remember SSA doesn't actually send ANYTHING monthly. They aren't like a utility company sending statements. Online is the way to go now. My parents still get confused about this too
Thank you everyone for your help! I found what I needed by clicking on the actual payment amount in my MySocialSecurity account as several of you suggested. I can now see the breakdown showing my Medicare premium and tax withholding for each month. This will be perfect for our tax planning. I appreciate all the quick responses!
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theres actually a form you need to get - i think its W4-V or something close to that. You pick the percentage you want taken out. My sister had a heart attack when she got a $4000 tax bill her first year on SS!! dont let that happen to you!!
It's Form W-4V (the V stands for Voluntary). And you're limited to requesting 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% - you can't choose any random percentage. Just clarifying in case anyone's looking for the form.
I'm still confused about how they tax Social Security in the first place. I thought we already paid taxes on our earnings before paying into the system?? So isn't this double taxation?? And with these new tax brackets I'm hearing about for 2025, will that change how much of my benefits are taxed? Sorry to hijack your thread but this whole system is so confusing.
The taxation of Social Security benefits is definitely confusing! Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable (not 100%), which partially accounts for the fact that you paid FICA with after-tax dollars. Whether your benefits are taxed depends on your "combined income" (AGI + non-taxable interest + 50% of SS benefits). For individuals: Below $25,000 = 0% taxed; $25,000-$34,000 = up to 50% taxed; Above $34,000 = up to 85% taxed. The 2025 tax changes mainly affect income tax brackets, not specifically how SS benefits are taxed. But if they change your overall income level, that could indirectly affect SS taxation.
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has anyone else noticed that the SSA website says different things about WEP than what the reps tell u on the phone???
The SSA website is generally more accurate than phone reps. The problem is that WEP is incredibly complex and many SSA representatives don't deal with it regularly. Always get any important information in writing, and if possible, speak with a technical expert who specializes in WEP cases rather than a general representative.
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I feel much better knowing that WEP won't affect me until I actually start receiving my pension payments. I'm definitely going to keep my SS benefits in that separate account just to be safe. I'll make sure to contact SSA as soon as I start receiving my STRS pension so there are no surprises. Thanks again for clearing this up!
One more thing to keep in mind - make sure you understand how much your STRS pension will be before you retire, so you can estimate your post-WEP Social Security amount. The SSA has a WEP calculator on their website that can help you estimate the reduction. You don't want to budget based on your current SS amount only to be surprised when it decreases.
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To address your follow-up question - yes, the WEP reduction will apply to all retroactive payments. And you absolutely need to specifically request retroactive benefits when you apply - they don't automatically give you retroactive benefits even if you're eligible. Regarding the 6 vs. 12 months confusion: The law allows up to 12 months retroactive for retirement and spousal benefits when you're past FRA. However, spousal benefits cannot begin before your spouse started receiving their benefits. So if your wife only started her benefits 6 months ago (which doesn't appear to be your case), that would limit your spousal retroactive period. Given that your wife has been collecting for 3 years, you should be eligible for the full 12 months retroactive on both benefits.
That makes so much more sense now! Thank you for clearing up my confusion. I'll make sure to specifically request the full 12 months retroactive for both benefits when I apply.
watch out for taxes too!! my friend got a big retroactive payment and it pushed him into a higher tax bracket that year and he wasnt ready for the big tax bill!!
This is an excellent point. A large lump sum retroactive payment could significantly impact your tax situation. You may want to consult with a tax professional about potentially using the special lump-sum election on your tax return, which might help reduce the tax impact.
Heather Tyson
To be clear about the process: If GPO is repealed, you will need to contact SSA and likely file an application for spousal benefits. Even if you previously applied and were denied due to GPO, you would need to file again under the new rules. The amount on your statement is a good starting point, but might not be exactly what you'll receive. Benefits are subject to annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs), and the final calculation will be based on your Full Retirement Age (FRA), when you file, and your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). I recommend working with a knowledgeable SSA representative when filing to ensure you maximize your benefits. Given how difficult it can be to reach SSA by phone, consider scheduling an in-person appointment at your local office once any legislation is actually passed.
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Paloma Clark
•Thank you for the detailed explanation. I'll definitely plan to be proactive about contacting them if the legislation passes. I just hope I can get through to someone who actually understands the complexities of GPO and spousal benefits!
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Raul Neal
btw be careful about getting your hopes up too much. my neighbor's wife is in same boat (teacher pension) and she said even if the law passes theres rumors it might only be partial elimination of GPO, not the whole thing. who knows what they'll end up doing!!!
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