Can I get 6 months retroactive Social Security spousal benefits after GPO repeal if we're past FRA?

you can definitely still request retroactive benefits! i didn't ask during my initial application either but called them a week later and they added it no problem. just call ssa asap before they finish processing your application.

Yes, you can absolutely request retroactive benefits! Since both you and your husband are past Full Retirement Age, you're eligible for up to 6 months of retroactive spousal benefits from your filing date. The GPO repeal doesn't affect this particular rule. You have two options: 1. Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and request that they add the retroactive benefits to your pending application. 2. Visit your local SSA office in person with your application confirmation number. I recommend doing this ASAP, ideally before they finish processing your current application to avoid complications. Make sure to specifically request "6 months retroactive benefits" when you speak with them.

I just went through almost the exact same situation! I was also affected by GPO (worked for county government in California) and applied for spousal benefits after the repeal. I forgot about retroactive benefits too, but was able to call Social Security and have them add it to my application. The key is contacting them BEFORE they finish processing. In my case, I couldn't get through on the phone for days - it was beyond frustrating. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU that shows how it works. It was worth it because I got my retroactive benefits added - that's a significant amount of money! Make sure to specifically ask for 6 months retroactive benefits based on being past your FRA. Good luck!

No additional documentation was needed for the retroactive request itself. They already had everything they needed from my original application. The agent just added a note to my file requesting the 6 months retroactive. The whole call took maybe 10 minutes once I actually got through to someone!

It did work for me! I was skeptical too, but after trying to get through for 3 days on my own, I was desperate. The way it works is they keep dialing and navigating the phone tree for you, then call you when they have an agent on the line. I was connected in about 25 minutes.

THE SSA SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN!!!! I spent WEEKS trying to get through about MY GPO situation and ended up having to go stand in line at the office at 6AM just to talk to someone. They should make this retroactive benefit automatic for everyone who qualifies instead of making us jump through hoops. WHY do we have to specifically request something we're entitled to?? RIDICULOUS!

To clarify some conflicting information in this thread: The retroactive period for Social Security benefits can be up to 6 months when you're past Full Retirement Age. For disability claims, it can be up to 12 months, which might be where the confusion comes from. Regarding the GPO repeal specifically: You're eligible for retroactive benefits for the 6 months prior to your application, but only if the GPO repeal was already in effect during those months. If the repeal date falls within that 6-month window, you'd only get retroactive benefits back to the repeal effective date. I hope this helps clear up any confusion!

my sister had the same thing happen and she just went to the office in person. took all morning but she got it fixed that day instead of waiting on hold forever. bring a book if you go that route lol

Just wanted to add that when I was in a similar situation (though not GPO-related), I was told I needed to submit a written statement requesting retroactive benefits. I don't know if that's standard practice or if it was just that specific representative, but you might want to prepare a brief statement explaining that you're requesting 6 months retroactive spousal benefits based on both you and your husband being past full retirement age. Good luck!

just wondering did u check ur my social security account online? sometimes u can see if they started processing ur application and what status its in. might help u know how urgent it is to contact them!

One final tip: When you do reach someone at SSA, make sure to get a confirmation number or reference number for your retroactive benefits request. Also ask them to send you a confirmation letter documenting that they've added the retroactive request to your application. This will make it much easier to follow up if there are any issues later.

I'm in a very similar situation - also a retired teacher from Texas who was affected by GPO. I applied for spousal benefits about 3 weeks ago after the repeal and completely forgot about retroactive benefits until I saw your post! I called SSA this morning using the regular 1-800-772-1213 number and surprisingly got through after only about 45 minutes on hold (maybe I got lucky with the timing). The representative was very helpful and said they could absolutely add the retroactive benefits request to my existing application since it hasn't been finalized yet. She added a note to my file requesting 6 months retroactive benefits and gave me a confirmation number. The whole process took less than 10 minutes once I got through to someone. She also mentioned that since the GPO repeal is recent, my retroactive benefits would only go back to the effective date of the repeal, not the full 6 months, but that's still a decent amount of money! Don't give up on calling - maybe try early morning or late afternoon when call volume might be lower. Good luck!

As someone who just went through this exact process last month, I can confirm that you absolutely can still request retroactive benefits! I was also a teacher (in Michigan) affected by GPO and forgot to mention retroactive benefits during my initial application. I ended up going to my local SSA office in person because I couldn't get through on the phone after trying for a week. The wait was about 2 hours, but the representative was able to add the retroactive benefits request to my pending application immediately. She explained that since I was past FRA, I was eligible for up to 6 months retroactive, but due to the timing of the GPO repeal, mine would only go back to the repeal effective date. The key is getting to them BEFORE they finalize processing your application. Since you just applied last week, you should have plenty of time. I'd recommend trying both the phone and in-person options - whichever you can access first. Make sure to ask for a confirmation number and written documentation of the request. The retroactive amount ended up being substantial for me - definitely worth the effort to pursue it! Good luck!