Can I collect ex-spouse Social Security with CSRS pension and only 36 work credits?

Oh i went through something similar! You should know that the Government Pension Offset (GPO) will probably wipe out most or all of your ex-spouse benefits. They typically reduce your SS spousal/survivor benefit by 2/3 of your CSRS pension amount. My friend got like $27 a month after GPO lol. Not worth the trouble IMO.

You're dealing with several complex issues here. To answer your specific questions: 1. For ex-spouse benefits, you do NOT need 40 quarters of coverage. You can collect on your ex's record if you were married 10+ years (which you were at 16 years) and you're currently unmarried. 2. However, the Government Pension Offset (GPO) will reduce any spousal or survivor benefits by 2/3 of your CSRS pension amount. This often eliminates the spousal benefit entirely for CSRS retirees. 3. For your own Social Security benefits (if you worked those additional 4 quarters), the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) would reduce your own benefit. So while working those 4 quarters would qualify you for your own (reduced) benefit, it likely wouldn't change your eligibility for ex-spouse benefits, which you already qualify for but might be reduced to zero by GPO.

THESE GPO RULES ARE SO UNFAIR!!! I worked 27 years for the government and paid into CSRS, then worked ANOTHER 15 years in the private sector paying into SS. After all that I basically get NOTHING from Social Security!!! The system is totally RIGGED against government workers!!!! 😠😠😠

have u tried calling social securty? they can look at ur specific #s and tell u exactly what ud get

After dealing with the same endless busy signals and disconnections with Social Security, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual SSA agent in under 20 minutes! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU I was hesitant at first, but it was worth it to finally get my WEP and GPO questions answered by a real person. The agent explained exactly how my CSRS pension would affect potential benefits and ran calculations specific to my situation. Saved me weeks of frustration!

A few more things to consider in your situation: 1. Even if your Social Security benefit would be minimal or zero after GPO, having 40 quarters gives you Medicare eligibility at 65. 2. Some CSRS employees find that working longer in SS-covered employment (well beyond the minimum 40 quarters) can help offset some WEP reductions if they're trying to qualify for their own benefit. 3. Since you mentioned ex-spouse benefits specifically - if your ex passes away, survivor benefits have the same GPO reduction (2/3 of your CSRS pension), but survivor benefits are typically higher than spousal benefits, so you might receive something in that scenario. I'd recommend getting a detailed benefits calculation from SSA before making your decision about working those additional quarters.

My situation was kinda similar. I had CSRS and only 32 quarters when I retired. I worked part-time at my grandson's day care center for 2 years to get my 40 quarters. For me it was worth it for Medicare alone, even though my SS benefit is tiny after WEP reductions. Also gave me something to do during retirement! Definitely call SSA and have them calculate your specific numbers before deciding, but don't be surprised if your ex-spouse benefit disappears completely under GPO.

my neighbor got caught in this same situation and she said the whole thing was a waste of time. spent all that effort getting her quarters and still got basically nothing from SS. just a heads up

The ONLY reason to get those 4 quarters is MEDICARE!!! If you don't have 40 quarters you'll pay WAY more for Medicare Part A, which is normally free if you have 40 quarters. That alone is worth working a little bit more!!!

I'm in a very similar situation and have been researching this extensively. Here's what I've learned that might help: The Medicare angle is HUGE - without 40 quarters, you'll pay around $505/month for Part A (over $6,000/year). That alone makes getting those 4 quarters worth it financially. For 2025, you need $1,740 in covered earnings per quarter, so about $7,000 total. You could potentially earn this in just a few months of part-time work. Regarding your ex-spouse benefits - you're already eligible since you were married 16 years, but GPO will likely reduce them significantly. However, having your own 40 quarters gives you options and Medicare eligibility regardless. I'd suggest: 1) Use the SSA calculators to estimate your exact GPO impact, 2) Consider the Medicare savings as the primary benefit, not Social Security payments, 3) Maybe look into seasonal work or consulting that you'd actually enjoy. The system is definitely confusing, but the Medicare piece makes it a clearer decision in my opinion.

As someone who went through a similar CSRS/Social Security situation, I'd strongly recommend focusing on the Medicare benefits rather than the Social Security payments. The $6,000+ annual savings on Medicare Part A premiums alone makes those 4 quarters worthwhile. I ended up taking a part-time job at a local library for about 6 months - earned just over the $7,000 needed and actually enjoyed the work. My Social Security benefit is minimal due to WEP, and GPO eliminated most of my spousal benefits, but having Medicare Part A premium-free has saved me thousands. One tip: You can create a my Social Security account online to see your current earnings record and get benefit estimates. This might give you a clearer picture before you decide whether to pursue those additional quarters.