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Thank you all for the helpful responses! I just checked my most recent SSA statement and it does mention I'm subject to GPO, so hopefully that means I'm in their system correctly. I'm going to try calling them next week to confirm. Does anyone know if there are specific documents I should have ready when I call? I have my husband's death certificate and his pension information, but not sure what else they might need.
Having your husband's death certificate and pension info is good. Also have your own Social Security card, ID, and if possible, any award letters you received when you first started getting survivor benefits. Those usually mention GPO if it was applied. And definitely be prepared for a long wait when calling - unless you use a service to get through faster.
I talked to my neighbor who used to work for Social Security and she said these changes are gonna be a administrative nightmare for SSA to implement. She thinks there will be delays and errors for the first couple years. So definitely keep an eye on your payments starting in 2025 and don't assume they'll get it right automatically!
Anyone else feel like the whole system is designed to be as frustrating as possible? 🙄 Good luck OP, you're gonna need it
Quick question - has anyone here successfully lowered their Medicare costs? I'm in the same boat as OP and could use some pointers.
unpopular opinion: the whole system needs an overhaul. it's ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get basic help. 🤦♂️
Here's what I've learned after dealing with this for months: 1. Call right when they open. The queue is usually shorter. 2. If you get the survey, hang up and call back immediately. 3. Try different phone numbers if they have multiple listed. 4. Be super nice to the rep when you finally get one. They deal with angry people all day. 5. Have all your info ready before you call. 6. If all else fails, see if you can schedule online or via email. Hope this helps someone! Stay persistent, you'll get through eventually.
Keisha Johnson
Im confused about something.. if the GPO reduced your spousal benefit to $0 before, why would it change now? Did your non-covered pension amount go down or something??? This whole GPO thing is SO UNFAIR to those of us who worked in public service!
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Amina Diallo
•Great question. There are a few scenarios where GPO impact could change: 1. A change in pension amount (unusual, but possible with pension recalculations) 2. A recalculation of the spouse's PIA that increases the spousal benefit potential 3. Administrative correction of a previous error 4. Changes in other income affecting taxation (doesn't affect GPO directly but might affect net payment) The GPO reduction is 2/3 of the non-covered pension amount. So if her spouse's benefit increased significantly due to delayed retirement credits or earnings recalculations, it's possible the math now works out differently. For example: If her spouse's PIA increased enough that 50% of it (reduced for early filing) is now greater than her own benefit plus 2/3 of her pension, she might now be eligible for a partial spousal benefit where before it was reduced to zero.
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CosmicCowboy
my cousin works for ssa and says their computer system does weird stuff all the time with no explanation. could just be a glitch honestly. best to just go to office in person and make them look it up while ur sitting there. thats the only way to really get answers with these people
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