Social Security GPO elimination - will I automatically get my spousal benefits or need to file?

There's a lot of confusion about the potential GPO elimination. First, it's not certain that it will pass in its current form. The SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS Act has been introduced but hasn't become law yet. If it does pass, my understanding is that the SSA would need to review all affected cases - they won't automatically start paying benefits without some verification process. Based on my experience, you'll likely need to contact SSA directly once any legislation passes. The amount shown on your statement is an estimate assuming no GPO, so yes, that should be approximately what you'd receive if GPO is fully eliminated. But there may be other factors affecting the final calculation.

my mom went thru somethng similar with her pension. SS always sez they'll "contact you" but they never do!! you DEF need to be proactive and contact them yourself once any law gets passed. dont wait for them!!!

You'll absolutely need to file for benefits. I've been following the GPO elimination legislation closely since my wife is in your exact situation with her state pension. The current bills would require affected individuals to apply/reapply for benefits. Nothing will happen automatically. Keep in mind the amount on your statement is calculated based on your spouse's earnings record and your age at filing, but doesn't account for annual COLAs that would have been applied had you been receiving benefits. So the actual amount could be different than what's on your statement. Also, remember that any GPO elimination might be phased in over several years rather than all at once. I recommend creating or accessing your my Social Security account online at ssa.gov to verify your current status and be ready to act once legislation passes.

I tried calling the SS office 11 times last month about my disability application. Either busy signals or disconnected after waiting for hours. So frustrating!!!

I've been dealing with this exact GPO situation for years. From what I understand about the proposed legislation, it would be implemented in phases over 5 years. Even in the best-case scenario, if it passes this year, you would likely only get a percentage of your benefit initially, with the full amount coming later. About contacting SSA - I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person at Social Security when I needed to discuss my benefits. Their system basically handles the hold time for you, then calls you when they have an agent on the line. Saved me hours of frustration. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or check out claimyr.com. It was definitely worth it for me since I had complex questions that couldn't be answered online.

I think all this GPO repeal talk is giving people false hope. They've been trying to repeal it for DECADES with no success. The cost is too high for Congress to ever actually pass it. Don't count on getting those benefits anytime soon!!! The SSA statement is just theoretical money you'll never see.

My aunt thought she would get spousal benefits too but turns out she was thinking of SSI not spouse benefits. Are you sure its GPO and not something else? Sometimes the letters are confusing.

To be clear about the process: If GPO is repealed, you will need to contact SSA and likely file an application for spousal benefits. Even if you previously applied and were denied due to GPO, you would need to file again under the new rules. The amount on your statement is a good starting point, but might not be exactly what you'll receive. Benefits are subject to annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs), and the final calculation will be based on your Full Retirement Age (FRA), when you file, and your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). I recommend working with a knowledgeable SSA representative when filing to ensure you maximize your benefits. Given how difficult it can be to reach SSA by phone, consider scheduling an in-person appointment at your local office once any legislation is actually passed.

btw be careful about getting your hopes up too much. my neighbor's wife is in same boat (teacher pension) and she said even if the law passes theres rumors it might only be partial elimination of GPO, not the whole thing. who knows what they'll end up doing!!!