Confused about WEP and applying for Social Security spousal benefits - what's the process?

It's actually called the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), and in your case, you're also dealing with the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Since you worked in a job that didn't pay into Social Security, both your own potential SS benefits will be reduced by WEP AND your spousal benefits will be reduced by GPO - typically by 2/3 of your government pension amount. You do need to apply for benefits, and the system will automatically calculate if you're eligible for your own retirement benefits or spousal benefits (whichever is higher after the reductions). You can apply online at ssa.gov, but in your situation with WEP/GPO, I'd recommend talking to an actual SSA representative.

Ugh, the WEP and GPO are HORRIBLE!!! My mom was a teacher for 30 years and got completely screwed on her Social Security. She got like $120 a month instead of $1400 because of these unfair provisions. It's criminal how they treat public servants! Make sure you're really prepared for how little you might get.

To answer your follow-up question - you don't apply for one and then the other. When you apply for Social Security retirement benefits, the system considers all benefits you might qualify for (your own, spousal, widow, etc.) and will pay whichever is highest after any reductions. For documentation, you'll need to provide information about your pension, including when it starts and the monthly amount. If you haven't started receiving it yet, they'll still need the estimated amount. The SSA will require Form SSA-308 (Government Pension Questionnaire) to be completed.

I'm a retired firefighter and went thru this last year. Honestly the whole process is confusing and SSA reps gave me different answers everytime I called. Just be ready for disappointment - my spousal benefit ended up being only $275/month after GPO took 2/3 of my pension away from what I could've gotten. The system punishes public servants.

After spending weeks trying to get someone on the phone at SSA about my own WEP situation, I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an agent in under 10 minutes. It saved me so much frustration! You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU With WEP/GPO complications, you really need to speak with a knowledgeable SSA representative who can look at your specific work history. Trust me, for complex situations like this, getting accurate information makes a huge difference.

Here's what you need to know specifically: 1. Apply for retirement benefits through SSA (online, phone, or in-person) 2. Disclose your government pension information 3. SSA will calculate your benefits with both WEP and GPO reductions 4. Your spousal benefit will be reduced by 2/3 of your pension amount 5. If your teaching was in Ohio, you likely paid into STRS Ohio instead of Social Security Since your husband is already collecting, the timing of your application matters. If you apply the month you turn 65, your benefits would start the month you become 65. If you wait until FRA (66+), you'd get a higher amount. Also, gather your pension award letter or estimate statement before applying - you'll need it.

For complicated situations involving WEP/GPO, I strongly recommend applying in person at your local SSA office. While you can start the application online, schedule an in-person appointment to finalize it. The representatives can access your complete earnings history and pension details to ensure accurate calculations. And yes, Form SSA-308 will be provided during the application process - you don't need to download it in advance. Just bring documentation about your Ohio STRS pension amount and start date.

my wife had ohio teachers pension too. we learned that if you have 30 or more years of "substantial earnings" under social security the WEP reduction is eliminated. but most teachers dont have that many years paying into SS. the reductions are harsh but the SSA folks were nice about explaining everything when we finally got thru.

Don't let anyone tell you there's nothing you can do about these unfair provisions! There are bills in Congress right now to reform or eliminate WEP/GPO. Contact your representatives! My mom's teacher group is fighting this tooth and nail. Public servants deserve better!

Thank you all for your helpful responses! I've scheduled an in-person appointment at my local SSA office for next week and I'm gathering all my pension documentation. I've also made a list of questions based on all your advice. I'm still frustrated about the WEP/GPO reductions, but at least I understand the process better now. I'll update once I've had my appointment and let you know how it goes.