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my aunt got hit by GPO and WEP both...worked 18 yrs for the post office (CSRS) and 22 yrs in private sector. her own SS benefit got WEP'd and her widow benefit got GPO'd. ended up with just $220/mo from SS plus her CSRS pension. system is so confusing
One more thing to consider - if your current spouse (the one you remarried at 63) passes away, you could potentially claim widow benefits on THEIR record too. In that scenario, you'd get the higher of the two widow benefits (after GPO reduction), not both. Something to keep in mind for future planning.
That's a good point I hadn't considered. My current husband also has a good earnings record with Social Security. I hope I don't have to face that situation for many years, but it's helpful to understand all the options. This system is so complex!
Has anybody mentioned Medicare yet??? Because if either of you has better Medicare coverage thru a former employer that could be affected by marriage!!! The whole system is RIGGED against senior remarriage if you ask me!!!
Medicare eligibility itself isn't affected by marriage, but if either person has supplemental coverage through a former employer, it's worth checking with that plan administrator. Some employer plans have specific provisions about covering new spouses. This isn't a Social Security issue directly, but definitely part of overall retirement planning.
Just wondering - will you be changing your name when you get married? If so, don't forget to update your Social Security card first, then driver's license, bank accounts, etc. I made the mistake of doing them in the wrong order and it was a nightmare!
I'm planning to keep my current last name - seems easier at this stage of life! But that's a great tip about the correct order for those who do change their names.
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I'm going to try contacting SSA to get an exact calculation of what I might receive after the GPO reduction. Even if it's only a few hundred dollars, that's still meaningful over time. I'll gather all my documents (marriage certificate, death certificate, pension statements, etc.) and try to schedule an appointment. If I can't get through on the phone, I'll check out that Claimyr service someone mentioned. One last question: If I do qualify for some small survivor benefit, can I receive that AND still potentially claim my own Social Security later (from those 12 years I worked in the private sector)? Or do I have to choose one or the other?
Yes, you can claim survivor benefits now and switch to your own retirement benefit later if it would be higher (or vice versa). This is one of the few remaining claiming strategies after the 2015 law changes. Just be aware that your own benefit would likely be reduced by WEP due to your teacher pension. Ask the SSA representative to calculate both scenarios for you.
OK I'm a little confused here. Isn't SSI different from retirement benefits? I thought the earnings limits only applied to disability? Also doesn't SS check with IRS anyways so they know what you make?
You're mixing up several different programs. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is needs-based and has very strict income and resource limits. Retirement benefits and SSDI (disability) both have the earnings test that applies before FRA, but the rules are different for each. And yes, SSA does eventually get information from the IRS, but that's after tax returns are filed and processed - which could be more than a year later. That's why they ask for estimates and why they sometimes have to send overpayment notices later if your actual earnings were higher than estimated.
Thank you all for the helpful information. I think I understand better now. I'll probably apply in April but request benefits to start in January (a few months after I turned 62). And I'll make sure to be totally clear about my earnings for 2025 so I don't get surprised with an overpayment notice. I'm going to call SSA next week to confirm all this. If I can't get through, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I really want to make sure I'm doing this correctly.
Yara Khalil
Oh goodness, I think you misunderstood! We've been together 11 years and are completely committed to each other. We just never felt the need for the legal paperwork. We were simply wondering if there might be financial benefits to formalizing our relationship at this point in our lives. Rest assured, our relationship is based on love not money! 💕
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Paolo Esposito
not everyone needs a piece of paper to prove their love!! my partner and I waited 22 years to get married and only did because of healthcare issues. some people never marry and are more committed than folks who rush to the altar after 6 months!!
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