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To address your question about what happens when your pension runs out: Under GPO rules, if your pension stops, the offset should stop as well. This is different from WEP, which generally continues even if your pension ends.When your pension payments end, you need to notify SSA immediately with proof that you're no longer receiving the pension. At that point, they should recalculate your spousal benefits without the GPO reduction. Make sure to keep documentation showing your pension has ended.If your pension is paid as a lump sum rather than monthly payments, SSA will calculate what the monthly amount would have been and apply the offset as if you were receiving monthly payments. Regarding your 403b specifically - some confusion might exist because 403b plans can be structured different ways. If your 403b was truly a pension from non-covered employment (no SS taxes paid), then GPO applies. But if it was more like a savings plan similar to a 401k where you contributed your own money, different rules might apply.This is definitely worth reviewing with SSA to ensure they've categorized your retirement plan correctly.
Thank you SO much for this information! This gives me some hope that at least when my pension runs out, I might get my full spousal benefit. I'll definitely keep documentation about when my pension ends.And you've given me another avenue to explore - my 403b was partly my contributions and partly employer contributions. I need to verify if SSA is treating it correctly. I'll gather all my pension documentation before calling them.I can't thank everyone enough for all this guidance. I feel much better equipped to address this situation now.
I was in a similar boat to u last year & honestly the BEST thing we did was just schedule an appointment at our local SSA office. My husband & I brought all our questions written down & the rep walked us thru everything step by step. Took about an hour but so worth it! Just be prepared for a long wait to get an appointment (took us like 3 weeks).
That's a great suggestion! In-person appointments can be really helpful for complex situations. If you're having trouble getting an appointment, that's where services like Claimyr can help - they can connect you with an SSA representative over the phone much faster than waiting on hold yourself. But an in-person appointment is definitely worth the wait if you can get one.
make sure u look at the tax situation too bc sometimes waiting doesnt help if ur gonna pay more taxes on the bigger benefit its all about whats left after taxes
While tax considerations are important, they rarely outweigh the benefit of delaying Social Security for a higher-earning spouse. The permanent 8% per year increase in benefits (plus COLAs on that larger amount) typically overshadows any tax differences. Plus, survivor benefits are a critical factor - ensuring the surviving spouse gets the highest possible benefit for life is usually worth potential tax implications. That said, a comprehensive financial plan should absolutely include tax planning.
just another way the govt takes our money. they should stop taxing retirement age people completey imo
One more thing to consider: Even though your continued contributions might not increase your monthly benefit, they're still supporting the overall Social Security system that you and others rely on. The system is designed so current workers support current beneficiaries, so your contributions are helping sustain benefits for everyone in the program.
IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is completely different from COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). IRMAA is an extra charge added to Medicare Part B and D premiums for higher-income beneficiaries. COLA is the annual increase in Social Security benefits to keep up with inflation. They're unrelated systems.
once i got random deposit from SS for $412 and it turned out they had calculated my benefits wrong for 3 months! but took them 5 months to tell me that lol. SS works in mysterious ways
Aiden Rodríguez
nobody knows how long theyll live. take the money now and enjoy life thats my philosophy!
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Sophia Nguyen
•EXACTLY!!! I've been saying this for years!! Too many people try to maximize some theoretical "lifetime benefit" and then drop dead a month after claiming. Life is SHORT especially after facing something like cancer.
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Isabella Brown
After reading all the comments and your responses, it seems like filing at 62 might make sense in your specific situation. The child benefits alone could total well over $100,000 over the 11 years. Just be absolutely sure both you and your wife fully understand the long-term implications for survivor benefits. One resource I recommend is the book "Social Security Made Simple" by Mike Piper. It's very accessible and covers these complex situations well. You might also consider consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security strategies before making your final decision.
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Emily Jackson
•Thank you for the book recommendation - I'll definitely check that out. I think we're leaning toward early filing, but I want to make sure we're fully informed. I appreciate everyone's insights on this decision!
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