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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?
Great question. The key is that right now, husband #3's benefit might be artificially lower due to WEP/GPO. If those provisions are repealed, his benefit could potentially become higher than husband #1's, making it the new highest benefit available to her. That's why it's worth checking what husband #3's unreduced benefit would be - to see if it might exceed what she currently receives from husband #1 after a repeal is implemented.
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.
That's a really important point about the phase-in period that I hadn't considered. I'll definitely get all her documentation in order too. She has all the marriage and death certificates filed away, so at least that part should be straightforward. Thank you for this advice!
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I HATE the windfall elimination!!!! Its so unfair to teachers!!! We work our whole lives and then get penalized for choosing a public service career?? Make it make sense!!!
The rationale behind WEP is that Social Security benefits are designed to replace a higher percentage of income for lower-wage workers. Since teachers with non-covered pensions appear to Social Security as "low-wage workers" (because their teaching earnings don't show up in SS records), WEP was created to adjust for this. I agree it feels unfair, but that's the current policy logic. There are ongoing efforts to reform it.
Just to add to my earlier comment: When you suspend benefits, you continue earning delayed retirement credits until age 70, which will permanently increase your benefit by about 8% per year. So suspending from FRA (67) to 70 could increase your benefit by around 24% for the rest of your life. Also, regarding WEP - if you have 30+ years of "substantial earnings" in Social Security-covered employment, WEP doesn't apply at all. If you have 21-29 years, the WEP reduction is lessened. Might be worth checking your earnings record to see where you stand.
I just checked my SS statement online and I only have about 15 years of substantial earnings under Social Security. Most of my career has been teaching. So I guess the full WEP will apply to me regardless. Still, getting that 24% increase by waiting until 70 seems worthwhile.
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wait i just thought of something - doesnt this affect medicare premiums too? like if u show too much income don't they charge u more for part b or something?
Yes, that's called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). If your modified adjusted gross income from two years prior exceeds certain thresholds, you pay higher Part B and Part D premiums. So income reported in 2024 would affect your 2026 Medicare premiums if you're enrolled by then. It's another factor to consider in your calculation.
Oh wow, I hadn't considered the Medicare angle. I need to check those IRMAA thresholds too. This is getting complicated!
just wondering why worry about this at all? social security is going bankrupt anyway lol
That's a common misconception. Social Security is not going bankrupt. According to the 2023 Trustees Report, even if Congress does absolutely nothing (which is unlikely), the trust fund would be depleted in the 2030s, but ongoing payroll taxes would still fund approximately 80% of promised benefits. And Congress has always acted to shore up the program before significant cuts would take effect, as they've done several times over the program's 89-year history.
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they never tell u about WEP until its to late!! i worked 18 years government and 22 years private and still got hit with WEP!! the whole thing is a SCAM!!!
It was definitely a shock for my dad too. He had no idea this would happen until he actually applied for benefits. I wish they'd make this more clear to people earlier in their careers so they could plan accordingly. It seems like a lot of people get caught by surprise with this.
To summarize for your father's situation: 1. Yes, he must earn $31,275 in 2025 for it to count as a year of substantial earnings 2. Working part-time at $25,000 won't help reduce the WEP penalty 3. Each year of substantial earnings over 20 reduces the WEP penalty by 5% 4. Age doesn't matter - substantial earnings count the same whether you're 25 or 75 5. Check his earnings record carefully - he might have more years of substantial earnings than he realizes 6. Look into the WEP guarantee provision if his government pension is small If he can increase his hours to reach $31,275 this year, it would definitely help reduce the WEP impact on his benefits.
Thank you so much for this clear summary! I've made notes of everything and will go over this with my dad this weekend. I think we'll look at whether he can pick up extra shifts to hit that threshold, and we'll definitely check his earnings record carefully. Really appreciate everyone's help with this complicated issue!
Dylan Wright
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
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Fatima Al-Farsi
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.
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Amara Eze
•Oh that's such a relief! I was worried I'd lose money if my application got delayed. Knowing about the protective filing date helps a lot. Thank you!
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