Social Security spousal benefits vs. WEP/GPO - should I file now or wait until FRA?

just call them it's eaiser

Don't give up yet! GPO/WEP calculations are complex even for advisors, but we can break this down. Your husband's PIA isn't directly shown on his statements - it's the amount he would have received at exactly his FRA (before reductions). Since he filed at 62, he's receiving approximately 70-75% of his PIA. For spousal benefits, if you file before your FRA, you'll typically receive a reduced amount - around 70% of what you'd get at FRA. However, the GPO reduction remains the same regardless of when you file - it reduces your spousal benefit by 2/3 of your teacher's pension. To calculate the difference: If your potential spousal benefit (before GPO) at FRA is 50% of your husband's PIA, filing now might reduce it to around 35-37% of his PIA. Then subtract 2/3 of your monthly pension from both scenarios to see if anything remains in either case. Do you know the approximate amount of your potential spousal benefit before the GPO reduction?

You're absolutely correct in your calculation. With a pension of $3,250, the GPO reduction (2/3 of $3,250 = $2,167) exceeds the maximum spousal benefit you could receive at FRA (50% of your husband's PIA of $2,100 = $1,050). This means your spousal benefit would be completely eliminated by GPO whether you file now or at FRA. In cases where the GPO reduction exceeds the potential benefit amount, waiting until FRA doesn't produce an advantage since you'll receive $0 either way. This is a common situation for many former government employees with substantial pensions. The only scenario where this would change is if your pension amount decreases in the future for some reason, or if there's some other benefit you might be eligible for. But based on the numbers you've provided, filing now or later wouldn't make a difference in your benefit amount.

Ugh, the WEP/GPO rules are SO UNFAIR!!! I'm a retired postal worker and I got hit with the same thing. Worked 30 years, paid into SS from part-time jobs, and still get almost nothing from SS because of my pension. The worst part is that most financial advisors don't even understand these rules! My brother-in-law never worked government jobs and got full benefits plus his private pension. How is that fair?????

I tried calling Social Security about a similar GPO question last month and waited 3.5 hours before getting disconnected! I eventually used this service called Claimyr that connected me to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of hours. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. It was such a relief to finally talk to someone who could explain my WEP reduction calculation. The agent I spoke with was actually really knowledgeable about teacher pensions and GPO.

This is why I'm terrified of retirement planning! I have 7 years of non-covered teaching earnings and 15 years under Social Security and I have NO IDEA how my benefits will be calculated. Every time I think I understand WEP someone tells me something different. Does anyone know if the WEP reduction is less severe if you have more years of substantial SS earnings? I've heard 20 years is some kind of threshold but I don't know if that's accurate???

my frend worked for school district 26 yrs now gets $0 from husbands SS even tho he paid in 45 yrs! system is rigged against teachers

One final suggestion - even though your calculation shows $0 benefit, it might still be worth calling SSA to verify your specific situation. There are occasionally special circumstances or provisions that might apply in individual cases. For instance, if you had any substantial earnings under Social Security yourself (not just your teacher's pension), the calculation becomes more complex and potentially more favorable. Also, having the calculation officially done can help with future planning, especially regarding survivor benefits should your spouse pass away before you (survivor benefits are also subject to GPO, but the calculation is different). Keep in mind that when you do call, try to speak with someone who specifically understands GPO/WEP provisions, as not all representatives are equally familiar with these complex rules.