Social Security spousal benefits vs. own benefits after WEP/GPO repeal - Civil Service retiree filing dilemma

Apply online first, then call to follow up. That way you've got your application in the system (with a protective filing date) while you wait to speak with someone. With the recent WEP/GPO repeal, many CSRS retirees are applying, so the sooner you get your place in line, the better. Make sure to specifically mention on your application that you're interested in spousal benefits because you believe they'll be higher than your own retirement benefit. The system should calculate both automatically, but it doesn't hurt to be clear about your situation.

Good luck getting thru to someone at SSA who actually knows what their talking about!!! I spent 3 DAYS trying to get someone on the phone who understood my WEP situation last month. Half of them dont even know what WEP/GPO is or that it was repealed! Online is probably faster but they'll mess it up anyway and you'll end up calling.

Since you're specifically looking at the difference between your own benefit and spousal benefits, I recommend calling rather than applying online. Here's why: 1. The online system automatically gives you the higher benefit, but doesn't always show you the calculations for both options 2. With the WEP/GPO repeal being relatively recent (effective January 2025), some of the online systems might not be fully updated 3. Your situation as a CSRS retiree with potential spousal benefits creates some nuances that are better discussed with a representative Make sure to prepare before calling - have your SSN, spouse's SSN, dates of CSRS employment, and estimated benefit amounts ready. Ask specifically for someone familiar with CSRS retirement and spousal benefit coordination.

I was in almost the exact same situation (CSRS retiree, spouse already collecting SS). I tried calling for weeks and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Finally I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent within 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I spoke with was actually trained on the WEP/GPO repeal and confirmed I would get the higher of the two benefits automatically. In my case, the spousal benefit was about $180 more per month than my own benefit would have been. The whole process took about 45 minutes once I got connected to someone knowledgeable.

They processed my entire application during the call. They asked all the questions they would on the online form, but the benefit was I could ask questions throughout the process. They also explained exactly how my benefit was calculated and why the spousal benefit was higher in my case. Much better than trying to figure it out myself online!

I think your making this more complicated than it needs to be. Just apply online, the system calculates everything automatically. My sister is also CSRS and just did hers last month after the repeal. Got approved in like 3 weeks. No need to talk to anyone unless somethings wrong after you apply.

question - are you SURE the wep/gpo was repealed?? i heard they were just talking about it but it didn't actually pass. my cousin works for the post office and he said its still in effect???

apply online first, then try to talk to someone. my husband is CSRS too and that's what we did. took forever to reach someone but at least we had the application date secured. they told us we had to provide proof of his federal employment history even tho OPM already had all that info. so frustrating that these govt agencies don't talk to each other!

Some additional information that might help: 1. The spousal benefit maximum is 50% of your spouse's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) at their full retirement age, not 50% of what they're currently receiving. If your spouse delayed claiming beyond their FRA, their actual benefit is higher than their PIA due to delayed retirement credits. 2. When you file, SSA will calculate both your own retirement benefit and your potential spousal benefit, and pay you whichever is higher. 3. Since you're already past your FRA, you won't face any reduction for early filing, and you're eligible for full benefits immediately. 4. The online application does have a section where you can indicate you're also filing for spousal benefits. Don't skip this section even though you might think it's automatic. One final note: If you do talk with an SSA representative, ask them to run a calculation of both benefit amounts so you can see exactly what you'll receive under each scenario.

Quick update - I called SSA yesterday using the Claimyr service I mentioned and got through in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed that with the WEP/GPO repeal, you'll receive the higher of either your own benefit or the spousal benefit automatically. In my case, even though my own benefit was lower than 50% of my spouse's PIA, they still calculated and compared both options before determining which to pay me.

I'm in a very similar situation - CSRS retiree at 66, spouse already collecting SS, and I've been waiting for the WEP/GPO repeal to file. Reading through all these responses, I think I'll go with the hybrid approach: apply online first to establish that protective filing date, then use one of these callback services to speak with someone knowledgeable about the calculations. One thing I'm curious about - for those who've already gone through this process post-repeal, how long did it take from application to first payment? I know they say 3-5 months typically, but with all the CSRS folks applying after the repeal, I'm wondering if there are delays. Also, Christopher, make sure you have your W-2s from your federal employment years handy. Even though they shouldn't need them with the repeal, some agents still ask for documentation showing your covered earnings under Social Security during any non-CSRS employment you might have had.