SS account suspended & affected by WEP/GPO - getting no notifications or annual updates

You're dealing with two of the most complicated provisions in Social Security - WEP and GPO - so unfortunately this isn't uncommon. Since your entire benefit goes to Medicare, you're in a subcategory that often gets overlooked in automated systems. Here's what I suggest: 1. Request a Benefit Verification Letter - this will show your current benefit amount before deductions 2. Specifically ask for your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) - this is your base benefit before WEP reduction 3. Calculate the 2025 COLA yourself (3.2% for 2025) on your gross amount 4. Request written documentation about your WEP/GPO reduction calculation The reason others know their new amounts is because most get direct communications or can see it in their online accounts. Your suspended account is the main obstacle here.

same problem!! my husband worked for county govt and gets NOTHING from ss because of wep/gop but we still have to deal with all this Medicare stuff every year. they never send us anything either and we always have to call

I was in a similar situation last year and could NOT get through on the phones. Kept getting disconnected after 2+ hour waits. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real SSA agent within 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I actually spoke to someone, I requested my Benefit Verification Letter and specifically asked them to note my WEP/GPO calculations. I also asked them to put a note in my file that I needed annual statements mailed since my online access was limited. It actually worked - I got my COLA notice for this year without having to call!

Yes, there is a fee, but it was worth every penny to me after wasting days trying to get through. They don't hand over your call to someone else - they just help you navigate the phone system and get into the queue faster. After connecting with an actual SSA person, I was able to request all the documentation I needed about my WEP/GPO situation.

Your situation is actually quite common among federal and some state retirees affected by both WEP and GPO. Here's what's happening technically: Since your entire benefit is being used for Medicare premiums, you're in a special processing category that SSA calls "Medicare Premium Collection Center" cases. These are handled separately from regular beneficiaries. For the 2025 COLA specifically, your new rate is being calculated by a centralized processing center because it involves multiple factors: 1. The 3.2% COLA increase on your gross benefit 2. The new Medicare Part B premium amount ($174.70 for 2025) 3. Your WEP reduction recalculation (which changes slightly each year) 4. Your GPO offset (based on your government pension) This special processing is why the rep couldn't give you an immediate answer. It's not that you're being ignored - it's that your case requires additional calculations that aren't instantly available to phone reps. I recommend requesting a "Medicare Premium Accounting Statement" specifically. This document is designed for situations exactly like yours.

have u tried just going to local office?? sometimes easier than phone

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST GOVERNMENT RETIREES!!! This WEP/GPO thing is just a way to STEAL the Social Security we EARNED!!! I worked 22 years in the private sector BEFORE my county job and now get almost NOTHING from SS even though I paid in JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!!! They don't communicate with us because they DON'T WANT US to understand how much they're taking!!!! It's CRIMINAL!!!!!

I'm worried about this too. My husband is retiring from teaching next year and we know his SS will be reduced by WEP, but we have no idea how to plan when SSA won't give clear answers. Will I at least get notifications about my own benefits? Or does his WEP situation affect our whole household communications? This system seems so broken...

I had exactly the same thing happen last month trying 2 get my new amount. Finally I just calculated it myself. just take last years benefit amount and multiply by 1.032 for the COLA. thats what I did and when I finally got through they said I was right

UPDATE: I checked with a colleague who handles special cases like these. Here's exactly what you need to do: 1. Call SSA and specifically request a "Medicare Beneficiary Statement" - this document is designed for people in your situation 2. Emphasize that you need documentation of your 2025 COLA calculation because you have no online access 3. Ask them to place a "Special Notice Flag" on your record, which ensures you receive paper notifications for all benefit changes 4. Request that they check if you qualify for the "Equitable Relief Provision" for Medicare Part B premium assistance, especially since you're in a WEP/GPO situation The key is using these specific terms. Many SSA reps don't deal with WEP/GPO cases regularly, so knowing the exact terminology helps ensure you get the right assistance.

my frend had same problem she went 2 congressman office and they fixed everything in 2 weeks!! try that maybe?

Thank you everyone for the suggestions! I'm going to try using the specific terminology that was recommended when I call next time - "Medicare Beneficiary Statement" and "Special Notice Flag" seem like the magic words I need. If I can't get through on the phone, I'll try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. As a last resort, I like the idea of contacting my congressman's office - I hadn't thought of that. It's somewhat comforting to know I'm not the only one dealing with this WEP/GPO communication black hole. I'll update here if I make progress!