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quick question - are u sure u calculated everything right? did u count gross or net income? and are u including all ur work expenses that might bring it down under the limit?
I counted my gross wages, which is what I understand they look at. I don't think I have any deductible work expenses that would help in this case. Good thought though!
One more tip - keep good records of your earnings for the year. If you're still working, you might want to adjust your hours slightly for the rest of the year to stay under next year's limit. The earnings test gets more complicated in the year you reach Full Retirement Age, but then disappears completely once you hit FRA. At that point, you can earn unlimited income without any impact on your benefits.
Great advice! I'm tracking everything carefully now. My FRA is 67, so I've still got a few years to go. Looking forward to not having to worry about this limit eventually.
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My mom got hit by the GPO too when my dad died. She was a school principal. She lost like 75% of his SS benefits she should have gotten. Its sooooo unfair! They worked there whole lives and paid into the system just like everyone else!!!
To clarify a common misconception: The GPO exists because many government employees with pensions (like teachers, police, some state workers) worked in positions where they didn't pay Social Security taxes on those earnings. The offset was created because these employees weren't contributing to the SS system during those years of government employment, unlike most workers. That said, many consider it overly harsh, which is why Congress is eliminating it. Your mother will benefit from this change going forward.
One thing to be aware of regarding the COLA calculations: Social Security applies COLAs using compounding, not simple addition. So if your husband's original benefit was $2000, the 8.7% COLA in 2023 would make it $2,174. Then the 3.2% COLA in 2024 would be applied to $2,174 (not the original $2000), resulting in $2,243.57. The 2025 COLA of 2.5% would bring it to $2,299.66. This compounding effect makes a significant difference over time. When your GPO is removed, you should receive the full widow's benefit with this proper COLA compounding applied.
Thank you for explaining the compounding effect! I understand it better now. The difference between my reduced benefit and what I should be getting is substantial - probably around $1,400 monthly. Multiply that by however many months until I die (hopefully many years!), and the GPO has cost me a small fortune. I'm just grateful it's finally ending.
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This thread is super helpful for me too!! Im in a similar spot but Im only 60 - lost my hubby last year and trying to figurre out when to take which benefit. So confused!!
At 60, your situation would be a bit different. If you take survivor benefits early (before your FRA), they're reduced permanently. And if you're still working, you might be subject to the earnings test which could reduce benefits. For someone younger than FRA, it's often best to take the smaller benefit first and switch later, but this really depends on your specific situation and benefit amounts.
I just wanted to update everyone. I finally got through to a supervisor at SSA who confirmed that YES, I can take ONLY survivor benefits at my FRA without taking my own retirement benefits. She explained I need to be very explicit when applying that I'm only applying for widow's benefits. Thank you all for your help and advice - it gave me the confidence to keep pushing for a clear answer!
That's great news! Make sure to get the supervisor's name and direct extension if possible for when you actually file. Also request a written confirmation of this policy if they can provide it. When you do file, review all paperwork carefully before signing to ensure it only shows an application for survivor benefits. Glad you got the right information!
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Definitely try to get that 20th year if you can! And remember that WEP only applies to the retirement benefit based on your own record. If you're eligible for spousal benefits or survivor benefits based on someone else's record, those aren't affected by WEP (though they might be affected by GPO - Government Pension Offset - which is different).
i thought SS retirement estimates already factor in WEP???? mine does i think, it says something about 'modified formula used' on my statement
@casual_commenter - No, the Social Security Statement estimates do NOT automatically factor in WEP. The statement explicitly says this in the fine print. The only way to get an accurate WEP calculation is to contact SSA directly. Online estimates don't have access to information about non-covered pensions, which is necessary to calculate WEP.
I just checked my statement again and you're right - there's a note that says the estimate doesn't account for WEP or GPO. I completely missed that before. I'll definitely work to get that 20th year of substantial earnings and then try to get an accurate calculation. Thank you all for the helpful information!
Oscar O'Neil
To address your vacation payout concern: Yes, lump sum vacation pay counts as earnings in the month received, not when earned. However, you could ask your employer if they'd be willing to spread the vacation payout over multiple months instead of one lump sum. Not all employers will do this, but it's worth asking if it helps you stay under the monthly limit. Also, regarding your spouse's SSDI application - if she's approved, you may become eligible for a caregiver spouse benefit once you're both receiving benefits. This is something to discuss with SSA when the time comes.
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Freya Collins
•That's brilliant about spreading out the vacation pay! I'll definitely ask HR about that option. And I had no idea about the caregiver spouse benefit - that's something to look into for the future. Really appreciate all this helpful information.
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Sara Hellquiem
For caregiver resources check out the Family Caregiver Alliance and your local Area Agency on Aging. They saved my sanity when I was caring for my dad!!
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