Your experience is exactly why so many fought for the WEP repeal. It's a positive step toward fairness for public servants who've been penalized for decades. For anyone else in a similar situation: if you're close to retirement age and were delaying your application because of WEP, it's worth reconsidering now. For those still confused about whether they should apply, here's a quick checklist: 1. If you'll be 62+ after Dec 31, 2024: No WEP reduction at all 2. If you were 62+ before Dec 31, 2024: WEP reduction gradually phases out over 10 years 3. If you're already receiving benefits: Your WEP reduction will gradually decrease The best advice is to create a my.ssa.gov account and check your estimated benefit amount. Then consider consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies, especially if you have a complex situation involving government pensions.

Yes, the WEP repeal does affect people who worked abroad and receive foreign pensions from countries that have totalization agreements with the US (like Canada). The Windfall Elimination Provision applied to foreign pensions from work not covered by US Social Security taxes, similar to how it affected US government pensions. Your husband's situation should be reviewed under the new rules. If he was already receiving reduced benefits due to WEP, he should see his benefit gradually increase over the next 10 years as the WEP phase-out is implemented. The Social Security Administration should automatically adjust his benefit amount - he doesn't need to take any action. However, it's always a good idea to contact SSA to confirm this is being handled correctly in his specific case. Keep in mind that international cases can be complex, and you might want to speak with an agent who specializes in international benefits.

Maybe I misunderstanding something - I thought the widow always gets the HIGHER of either their own benefit OR their deceased spouse's benefit? So if your mom is already getting the highest benefit (from husband #1), why would it matter if husband #3's benefit increases after WEP repeal? Wouldn't she just continue getting the highest one available?

Something else to consider: The GPO/WEP repeal proposals usually include a phase-in period, not an immediate full repeal. This means the full benefit increase would likely come gradually over several years. Given your mother's age, I'd recommend getting the information now so you're prepared to take action as soon as any legislation passes. While you're gathering this information, also ask about what documentation she might need to provide if she needs to switch to claiming on husband #3's record. Having these documents ready (marriage certificate, death certificate, etc.) can save time later.

The thing that makes me so MAD is how they say no first without even checking!!! its like they WANT to deny us what we deserve and hope we dont know better and just leave! my brother in law got denied disability 3 times and finally got approved after getting a lawyer. the system is rigged against us regular folks

Update: I called SSA this morning because I realized I forgot to bring my son's school transcript yesterday. The agent I spoke with was actually very helpful and said I can upload it through my mySocialSecurity account instead of making another trip to the office. She also confirmed that yes, I'll need to submit updated enrollment verification each semester. Just wanted to share this tip in case it helps anyone else!

my wife had same question last yr. turns out she got extra $212/month from spousal when we worked it all out. but took forever to get straight answer from ssa.

To directly answer your original question: yes, you have the basic concept correct. You need to be receiving less than 50% of your husband's PIA at his FRA to qualify for a spousal top-up, and he needs to be collecting his own benefits (which he is). The next step is determining if your $2,150 benefit is less than 50% of his PIA. This may require contacting SSA directly as others have suggested.

when my husband died two years ago i had so much trouble with survivor benefits.... just keep calling til you get someone nice. theres good people and mean people at every office

Just to give you some peace of mind about your survivor benefits application - even if there was somehow an issue with your appointment (which is unlikely), you won't lose any benefits. Survivor benefits can be paid retroactively for up to six months from your application date. So even if you have to reschedule, you'll still receive all the benefits you're entitled to from your initial contact date. The SSA considers your first contact about applying as your protective filing date, which preserves your benefits while you complete the actual application. But definitely verify your appointment using the methods others have suggested. The national number (800-772-1213) is your best bet if you don't see anything in your online account.