Can my husband apply for reduced spousal benefits after new WEP/GPO changes - confused about start date

Yes, you're correct that your husband's spousal benefit will be permanently reduced because you filed for your retirement benefits before your FRA. The reduction is based on YOUR age when YOU filed, not his age when he files for spousal benefits. Regarding retroactive benefits: The 6-month retroactive payment option is available for spousal benefits even if the person is under FRA, but they only backdate to the first month you were entitled to receive benefits. Since your husband is becoming eligible because of the recent GPO reform, they likely won't backdate before the law's effective date (January 2025). I'd recommend using his current application date as the start date and letting SSA determine if any retroactive benefits apply based on the new law's implementation. The agent will know how to handle this specific situation with the GPO changes.

My wife went thru something simlar with her ex-husbands benefits last yr. SSA told us just put TODAY'S date for start date & they figure out when your eligible from. don't stress about it

The new GPO reform is a game-changer for many federal/postal employees. Your understanding is mostly correct, but let me clarify a few things: 1) Your husband's spousal benefit will be reduced because YOU filed early, as you noted. The reduction is approximately 30% if you filed at exactly 62. 2) For the start date, it's actually best to put the earliest date you want benefits to begin. If he's eligible for retroactive benefits, they'll automatically calculate that, but you should still request the earliest date you believe he's eligible. 3) Important: Since the GPO reform has phased implementation, his spousal benefit will still be partially affected by GPO in 2025 (80% of the previous reduction applies). This phases down by 20% each year until fully eliminated in 2029. 4) Also make sure his postal pension information is accurately documented on the application, as this affects how the transitional GPO rules apply. You're making the right decision to apply now given the law changes!

To respond to the question about phasing - no, don't wait to apply. Even with the phased reduction, most people will still receive more benefits now than without applying. Apply as soon as eligible and you'll automatically receive the increasing amounts as the GPO reduction phases out each year through 2029.

I spent HOURS trying to reach SSA about a similar GPO question last month. After being disconnected 4 times, I found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an SSA agent in under 20 minutes. They don't replace talking to SSA, but they handle the hold time for you. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or visit claimyr.com if you need to speak with someone at SSA directly. Saved me so much frustration and I got clear answers about my GPO situation.

my situation is kinda similar except im the one with postal pension (37 years) and my wife gets SS. we were told by a friend that postal pensions DONT QUALIFY for the new GPO changes!!!! anyone know if thats right? im so confused

I'm going through EXACTLY this with my husband's firefighter pension!!! The SSA people gave us THREE different answers about backdating. ONE said 6 months max, another said only at FRA, and third one said we could get benefits from when the law changed in January!!! SO FRUSTRATING!!! I think they don't even know their own rules with these new changes!!!

has anyone actually received increased benefits from this GPO change yet? my mom has a teacher pension and we applied in february but her check hasnt changed

Update: We submitted the application yesterday and put the current date as the start date. The claims specialist said they will determine if any retroactive benefits apply based on the new law. She also confirmed that his benefit will increase gradually over the next few years as the GPO phases out, starting with 20% this year. Thank you all for your helpful advice!