Social Security claim approved despite WEP concerns - applied after repeal signed in 2025

congrats!! but wait i'm confused... I thought they didnt actually get rid of WEP completely?? my husband works for railroad and doesnt pay SS taxes, we were told he'd still get reduced when he retires next year. did they completely eliminate the WEP or just change it??

It's so refreshing to hear something positive about SS for once! I'm about to turn 65 myself but still working. Wasn't planning to file until 70 to max out my benefit. Did they explain anything about how retroactive payments work if you're past FRA?

Oh man this gives me hope! I've been trying to call SSA for THREE WEEKS about my WEP situation (worked 15 years in TX school system without paying SS). Every time I call, I wait on hold for an hour then get disconnected??? How did you get someone to actually call YOU? I'm starting to think nobody actually works there lol.

Wait, I thought spousal benefits were going away with the new changes???

I'm in a similar situation but totally stuck in the application process. My question is about the timing - I'm worried that if I wait any longer (I'm already 4 months past my FRA), I'm going to lose more benefits. But the online application is asking me about my government pension, and I'm not sure how to answer now that WEP is repealed. Did your online application have special instructions about this? Did you indicate you had a non-covered pension or not? I'm so confused and nobody answers the phones!

Congratulations on your successful application! Just a friendly note for others reading this thread: the WEP repeal is a significant change to Social Security that affects many public servants. To clarify a few technical points: 1) The repeal eliminates WEP for those reaching age 62 after December 31, 2024 2) For those already subject to WEP, there's a 10-year phase-out period 3) The Government Pension Offset (GPO) that affects spousal/survivor benefits for government pensioners was NOT repealed If you have a non-covered pension and are considering applying for Social Security, it's still important to understand how these changes specifically affect your situation. The timing of your application can make a significant difference in your benefit amount, especially during this transition period.

Unfortunately, only WEP was repealed, not GPO. The Government Pension Offset still remains in effect, which means your spousal benefit based on your wife's record could be reduced by two-thirds of your government pension amount. This is a common misunderstanding, as many people hoped both provisions would be eliminated together. If your spouse worked under CSRS and didn't pay into Social Security, her own Social Security benefit (if she has one from other work) would have been affected by WEP, but that's no longer the case with the repeal. However, since you're asking about your spousal benefit based on her record, GPO doesn't apply here because GPO only affects government pensioners receiving spousal benefits. The more relevant question is whether your spouse earned enough Social Security credits from any work outside CSRS to qualify for benefits at all. If she didn't, there wouldn't be a spousal benefit for you to claim on her record.

Your experience is exactly why so many fought for the WEP repeal. It's a positive step toward fairness for public servants who've been penalized for decades. For anyone else in a similar situation: if you're close to retirement age and were delaying your application because of WEP, it's worth reconsidering now. For those still confused about whether they should apply, here's a quick checklist: 1. If you'll be 62+ after Dec 31, 2024: No WEP reduction at all 2. If you were 62+ before Dec 31, 2024: WEP reduction gradually phases out over 10 years 3. If you're already receiving benefits: Your WEP reduction will gradually decrease The best advice is to create a my.ssa.gov account and check your estimated benefit amount. Then consider consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies, especially if you have a complex situation involving government pensions.

Yes, the WEP repeal does affect people who worked abroad and receive foreign pensions from countries that have totalization agreements with the US (like Canada). The Windfall Elimination Provision applied to foreign pensions from work not covered by US Social Security taxes, similar to how it affected US government pensions. Your husband's situation should be reviewed under the new rules. If he was already receiving reduced benefits due to WEP, he should see his benefit gradually increase over the next 10 years as the WEP phase-out is implemented. The Social Security Administration should automatically adjust his benefit amount - he doesn't need to take any action. However, it's always a good idea to contact SSA to confirm this is being handled correctly in his specific case. Keep in mind that international cases can be complex, and you might want to speak with an agent who specializes in international benefits.