Approved for Social Security spousal benefits but getting $0 due to GPO - any HR 82 repeal updates?

I feel your pain!!! In the EXACT same boat. Retired teacher 29 years, approved for spouse benefits in November but getting $0 because of stupid GPO. Its so UNFAIR! My husband paid in his whole life but because I worked for a school district instead of a private company, I get NOTHING? Makes no sense!!!!

Unfortunately, HR 82 is still stuck in committee as of February 2025. While it has over 300 co-sponsors (which is impressive), it hasn't been brought to the floor for a vote yet. The challenge remains the estimated $150 billion cost over 10 years to implement it. Regarding your specific situation - the GPO reduces your spousal benefit by 2/3 of your government pension amount. So if your teacher's pension is $2,775 or more monthly, that would completely offset a $1,850 spousal benefit (since 2/3 of $2,775 = $1,850). I suggest double-checking their math to make sure they calculated correctly. Some people have found errors in how SSA applied the offset.

My mom went through this same thing! She worked as a nurse at a county hospital for 25 years and got hit with GPO too. Really stinks.

I've been following the GPO/WEP repeal efforts closely for years, and while HR 82 has record support, there's also a new compromise bill gaining traction - HR 127 (the Public Servant Protection Act). Instead of full repeal, it would cap the GPO reduction at 60% rather than eliminating it entirely. This has better chances since the price tag is lower. Also, have you verified you don't have 40 credits on your own record? Sometimes people are closer than they think. Even part-time work during college or summers can add credits. You need exactly 40 quarters (10 years) of work where you paid into Social Security.

this is y i tell all teachers to work somewhere else for 10 years b4 or after teaching... 40 credits and u avoid this whole mess

After battling with Social Security for MONTHS over a similar GPO issue, I finally managed to reach someone knowledgeable at SSA who actually explained everything clearly. I was about to give up after being disconnected 4 times and waiting on hold for HOURS. I finally tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual SSA agent in under 20 minutes. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I spoke with confirmed what others are saying - HR 82 hasn't moved much despite the co-sponsors. But they did help me find an error in how they calculated my benefit that got me a small monthly payment instead of zero.

GPO affects approximately 716,000 Social Security beneficiaries as of 2025 statistics, so you're definitely not alone. While many find HR 82 stalled, there are a few things you might consider: 1. Verify the pension amount they're using in their calculation is correct (base pension only, not including health benefits or other additions) 2. If you're still working part-time anywhere, each additional credit you earn could help if you're close to 40 3. Consider contacting your representative in Congress to share your story - personal impacts help move legislation 4. Some states (like Georgia and Ohio) have recently created special stipends for retired teachers affected by GPO - check if your state has similar programs The fight to reform GPO continues, but legislative changes take time unfortunately.

My aunt got hit with this too but then she worked at Walmart for like 3 years part time and that got her enough credits to qualify for her own SS retirement. Might be worth looking into if ur able to work a bit?

Quick update on HR 82 - there was actually a hearing scheduled for March 2025 in the House Ways and Means Committee. While this doesn't guarantee passage, it's the furthest the bill has progressed in years. Consider joining advocacy groups like the Social Security Fairness Coalition who are organizing virtual lobbying days this spring. Also, regarding your specific situation, if your spouse's benefit increases in the future (like when he turns 70 if he's delayed claiming), your potential spousal benefit would increase too, which might exceed the GPO reduction at some point.

Has anyone else noticed that the SSA website barely even EXPLAINS GPO properly???? I had to find out about it from my teacher's union, SSA never warned me until it was too late!!!! The whole system is designed to keep us in the dark!!!!