I think I'm confused about something - isn't the Fairness Act different from the WEP/GPO repeal? My brother-in-law was talking about some social security fairness bill that had to do with caretakers getting credits or something like that. Are we talking about the same legislation??

Thanks everyone for the information. Sounds like I shouldn't count on this passing anytime soon, though I'll keep hoping. In the meantime, does anyone know if there are any strategies to minimize the WEP impact? I've heard something about getting to 30 years of substantial earnings can reduce the WEP penalty. I have 18 years now - would it be worth trying to work part-time somewhere to get to 30 years?

my neighbor said you could get benefits from multiple spouses but i guess thats wrong from what everyone here is saying?

congrats on figuring out ur ss strategy! ive been putting off even thinking about it bc its so confusing lol. good luck with ur application!!

To answer your question about applying right away: Yes, you should definitely apply for survivor benefits as soon as possible. Benefits can be paid retroactively for up to six months, but no further back than that, so delays in applying could result in lost benefits. While the GPO will reduce the amount, receiving even a reduced benefit is better than nothing. Also, the application process will give you a definitive calculation of exactly how the GPO affects your specific situation. When you apply, bring documentation of both your husband's death and your marriage, as well as information about your pension. They'll need to know the exact amount of your government pension to calculate the offset correctly.

sorry about your husband passing. my neighbor had almost the same situation with her county job and she said she still got the $255 death benefit at least. not much but better than nothing i guess

The advice here is mostly good but I want to clarify something important: with ALS, there is NO 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits like there is with other disabilities. Also, Medicare eligibility begins immediately after SSDI approval rather than the normal 24-month waiting period. Make sure your brother knows this as it's extremely important for covering medical costs. Also, has your brother checked if he has any private disability insurance through previous employers? Many people don't realize they might have coverage. With ALS, it's critical to secure all possible financial resources.

One more thing no one has mentioned - if his ex-wife has never worked, she should look at SSI (Supplemental Security Income) too, not just waiting for benefits based on your brother's record. She might qualify NOW based on need, age, and disability if she has any health issues herself. The rules are complicated but worth checking into.

Based on what you've shared, here's a summary that might help you plan: 1. Your SSDI benefits will NOT change after marriage 2. His SSDI benefits will NOT change after marriage 3. His SSI ($110/month) will likely be reduced or eliminated after marriage 4. Any income-based benefits like SNAP, housing assistance, Medicaid, Extra Help for Medicare, etc. will need to be reassessed based on your combined income If losing the $110 in SSI and potentially some adjustments to other benefits is manageable for your budget, you should be in an okay position financially after marriage. I would recommend scheduling an appointment with SSA to get a precise calculation of how your specific benefits would be affected.

One more tip - after you get married (if you decide to), make sure you both contact Social Security right away to report the change. For the SSDI recipient, it's mostly just updating your name if you change it. For the SSI recipient, they need to report the marriage immediately to avoid overpayments. Those overpayment notices are a nightmare to deal with!