This is exactly what worries me. I haven't had anyone calculate the exact GPO reduction yet. I know my PERA disability pension is about $2,450/month, and I believe my ex's Social Security benefit was around $2,800. Does anyone know how to calculate how much I'd actually receive?

The GPO reduction is typically 2/3 of your PERA pension amount. So if your pension is $2,450, approximately $1,633 would be deducted from any Social Security spousal or survivor benefit. If your ex's benefit was $2,800, you might receive around $1,167 monthly after the GPO reduction ($2,800 - $1,633). However, this is a rough estimate - the actual calculation can be more complex based on your specific situation.

That's concerning to hear. I'll look up my representative's contact info today. Did your mom eventually get her retroactive benefits, or did she lose those completely?

She got some retroactive pay but not all she was entitled to because of confusion about her filing date. That's why I'm saying DON'T WAIT - get your rep involved ASAP! They have staff who deal with SSA problems all day long.

Exactly right. Another thing that might be happening is they could be applying the WEP phase-in rules incorrectly. If they think the pension just started in 2025, they might be prorating the WEP reduction for that year, which would explain why their figure is $150 less than expected. It's a temporary advantage that would likely be corrected later and could result in an overpayment notice.

Great question. WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) reduced Social Security benefits for people who earned pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security (like many government jobs) but also worked enough in Social Security-covered jobs to qualify for benefits. As a postal worker, your pension was from a Social Security-covered job, so WEP never applied to you. You would have been affected by WEP only if your pension came from a job where you didn't pay Social Security taxes (like some state/local government positions, or foreign employment). When you apply next year, you'll get your full Social Security benefit based on your 18 years at Walmart without any WEP reduction.

You're right about the confusion, but the 6-month limit is correct. Even though you can apply after FRA and request retroactive benefits, SSA limits the retroactivity to 6 months maximum regardless of how long past FRA you are. It's in the POMS section GN 00204.030. So even if someone is 2 years past their FRA when they apply, they can still only get a maximum of 6 months of retroactive benefits. The OP's wife received exactly what was allowed under the rules.

Oh I see! Thanks for explaining. That's good to know since I'll be helping my sister apply soon and she's about 9 months past her FRA.

That's correct - it's called the 'recent work test.' At age 42, he needs 20 credits total (5 years of work) AND 20 credits within the last 10 years. If he's been working steadily, he should meet this requirement easily.

One last tip - have him keep a detailed symptom journal documenting how his MS affects daily activities. Include good days AND bad days, noting when he's too fatigued to perform basic tasks, when cognitive issues interfere with concentration, detailed mobility limitations, etc. This documentation is GOLD during the application process, especially if he needs to appeal.

Oh! That's really good to know. I am enrolled in Medicare. I'll look into this IRMAA thing - I had no idea the premiums could vary based on income from two years ago.

same here!!! took forever to get my first check. they backdated it but still super annoying to wait