Retroactive survivor benefits with GPO after FRA - confused about which months I'll get paid for

You're mostly right, but let me clarify a couple things. With a protective filing date of December 23, 2024, your 6-month retroactive period would indeed start from June 2024. So you'd get retroactive benefits for June through November 2024. Then you'd also get benefits for December 2024 forward, including January and February 2025, and however long it takes them to process your claim. Just be aware that the actual month you receive payment might be delayed based on processing time. I went through something similar with GPO. When I finally got my retroactive payment, it came as one lump sum about 6-8 weeks after my application was approved. Make sure you bring all documentation about your government pension to your appointment so they can calculate the GPO reduction correctly.

Im confused why ur even applying if u have GPO????? Most ppl with gov pensions get ZERO survivors bcuz of GPO. Did someone tell u ud actually get anything after the 2/3 reduction???

As someone who works with SS beneficiaries, I need to point out something important: The retroactive period is based on when you're eligible for benefits, not when you apply. Since you're past your FRA, you're entitled to retroactive benefits up to 6 months from your protective filing date (Dec 23, 2024). So yes, you'd get June-November 2024 as retroactive, plus benefits for December 2024 onward. HOWEVER - be very careful about the payment dates versus benefit months. SS pays a month behind (January benefits come in February, etc.). About your GPO situation - bring ALL documentation about your government pension. The exact reduction is 2/3 of your gross government pension amount before any deductions. Make sure they have the correct gross amount to calculate your benefit properly.

I had my own battle with GPO last year and the wait times trying to reach someone at SSA were INSANE. I literally spent 6+ hours on hold across multiple days, got disconnected twice, and finally gave up trying to call. I ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in under 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me a massive headache, especially with all the GPO questions I had that weren't covered clearly on the website.

@profile8 - Yes, it actually does! Used it twice now. First for my GPO question and then when I needed to update my direct deposit info. Both times I got through to a live person in under 20 mins when I had been trying for days on my own.

BE CAREFUL WITH GPO!!! My mom lost her ENTIRE survivor benefit because of this evil provision. She worked for the school district for 30 years and her pension wiped out EVERYTHING she should have gotten from my dad's social security. It's absolutely criminal how they treat government workers!!! Make sure you understand EXACTLY how much you'll actually get before counting on any money.

Just wanted to mention that in addition to the retroactive payments, remember that with survivor benefits the month of death (if not already received by your husband) may also be payable to you. Not sure if this applies in your case since it sounds like this happened a while ago, but it's something people often forget about.

my mom just went thru this. take everything they tell u about GPO with grain of salt. her first calculation was wrong & they overpaid her then wanted money back!!! bring ALL ur pension docs and ask them to double check the math before u leave!!!!!

One more important consideration: If your government pension amount ever increases (like with COLA adjustments), you must report this to SSA as it will further reduce your survivor benefit. Many people miss this step and end up with overpayments later. Set a reminder to report any pension increases to SSA right away.