Can my teacher friend get survivor benefits from husband's Social Security despite WEP/GPO restrictions?

Unfortunately, she's probably subject to the Government Pension Offset (GPO). This typically reduces SS survivor benefits by 2/3 of her government pension amount. If her PERA pension is substantial, it could completely eliminate survivor benefits from her husband. It's a TERRIBLE rule that punishes public servants who paid into different systems.

Your friend should definitely apply for survivor benefits regardless of GPO (Government Pension Offset). Here's why: 1. The offset reduces survivor benefits by 2/3 of her PERA pension, but if her husband's benefit was substantial, she might still get something 2. There are occasionally exceptions to GPO that an SSA representative can identify 3. The $200 she currently gets is likely reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which is different from GPO Even if she's denied, at least she'll know for certain. The SSA will calculate everything precisely when she applies.

My mom went thru this exact thing in Colorado!! She got like $189 from her own SS then when dad died they told her NO survivors benefits because of GPO. The SS office was ZERO help and kept giving her wrong info. She finally got a small amount but it took FOREVER.

I'd strongly suggest your friend make an appointment at her local Social Security office with documentation about both her PERA pension and her late husband's Social Security. GPO calculations are complex, and many factors can influence the final amount: - When her husband filed for his benefits - Her full retirement age - Whether she's taking benefits early - If her PERA job was covered by Social Security for 5+ years There are a few GPO exemptions, but they're rare. Still, it's worth checking if she might qualify for one of them.

tell ur friend GO APPLY NOW!!! my neighbor waited 2 yrs after husband died becuz someone told her she wouldn't get anything w/ teacher pension. turns out she was eligible for $412/month but SSA only gave 6 months backpay instead of 2 yrs she shoulda got. dont wait!!

The whole WEP/GPO thing is so confusing. I spent 15 years working in the private sector paying into SS, then 18 years as a state employee with pension. When I retired, my SS benefit was slashed by almost 60% because of WEP. For your friend, GPO will reduce her survivor benefit by 2/3 of her PERA amount, which might eliminate it entirely. But she should apply anyway because sometimes the calculations work in your favor.

One more important thing: if your friend's husband worked in both SS-covered employment AND government employment not covered by SS, the SSA will need to carefully review his earnings record to calculate the correct benefit. Make sure she brings his complete work history if possible. Also, the fact that she receives a small SS benefit suggests she might have enough SS-covered work quarters to potentially reduce the GPO impact. The rules are extremely technical, which is why an in-person appointment with documentation is crucial.

Just to add - there's a movement to repeal GPO and WEP with multiple bills introduced in Congress over the years, but nothing has passed yet. The Social Security Fairness Act would eliminate both provisions, but it's been stalled for years despite bipartisan support. Public pension recipients should follow this legislation.