Can I claim SS spousal benefits if approved for Medicare through ex-spouse in 2009? GPO concerns

I went through something similar last year! Yes, if you were approved for Medicare based on your ex's record, the SSA should already have your marriage and divorce documents on file. But here's the thing - the GPO will still apply to any benefits you try to claim now if you're receiving that non-covered pension. How long were you married? It needs to be at least 10 years to qualify for ex-spouse benefits. I tried calling SSA about my situation and spent DAYS trying to get through.

While SSA should have your documents on file since you were approved for Medicare based on your ex-spouse's record, they sometimes require updated documentation when you apply for actual benefits. The GPO will reduce your spousal benefit by approximately 2/3 of your non-covered pension amount. With a $1,850 pension, that's roughly a $1,233 reduction. If your ex-spouse's full benefit amount is $2,500, your potential spousal benefit would be $1,250 (half), but after GPO reduction, you'd likely receive $17 monthly ($1,250-$1,233), assuming these numbers. I recommend creating a my Social Security account online to see if they've calculated your potential benefits with the GPO applied. The online system will show if they have your marriage records already digitized.

THE GPO IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY!!! I worked as a teacher for 31 years and get ZERO of my late husband's Social Security even though he paid in his ENTIRE LIFE. This offset provision is UNFAIR to public servants!!! Don't expect much from SSA - they'll just quote the rules at you and show you the door. The whole system is RIGGED against us who chose to serve our communities!!!

While SSA should have your marriage/divorce docs from 2009, regulations require them to verify eligibility for each benefit type separately, so you might need to provide them again. Here's what you should do: 1. Call SSA directly to confirm if they still have your documents 2. Ask specifically how the GPO will affect your potential benefit amount 3. Request a detailed calculation of your expected benefit The GPO reduces spousal benefits by 2/3 of your non-covered pension, so with a $1,850 pension, approximately $1,233 would be deducted from any spousal benefit you might receive. If you need to reach SSA, I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they'll call SSA for you and get you connected to a representative without the hours-long wait. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU showing how it works. I was skeptical at first but it saved me literally hours of hold time when I was dealing with my own GPO situation.

lots of misinformation in this thread. GPO doesnt always wipe out your benefits. depends on your specific numbers. OP should definitely apply and see what happens. my aunt got a small amount even with GPO.

To answer the question about whether Claimyr works - yes, it does. They basically stay on hold with SSA for you and call you when they've reached a representative. Saved me from having to redial countless times or sit on hold all day. As for the GPO calculation, it's actually quite straightforward but many SSA representatives will run the numbers for you to see if you'll receive anything after the offset.

btw OP, make sure you actually file an application even if you think you might not get anything. sometimes people are surprised by the result and if you dont file you definitely get nothing

Update: I called SSA this morning (got through after only 45 minutes!) and they confirmed they do still have my marriage and divorce records on file from when I applied for Medicare. The representative ran some preliminary numbers and thinks I might get about $75/month after the GPO reduction. Not a fortune but better than nothing! I have an appointment next week to file the formal application. Thanks everyone for your help!