Social Security survivor benefits with GPO - denied retroactive payment before FRA?

The rep is correct that retroactive survivor benefits before FRA are generally limited. However, there's a special rule called SSFA lookback that can sometimes apply. The exact rules depend on whether there was a prior entitlement and if your GPO amount changed. When did your government pension change? That's the key factor that might help you qualify for some retroactive benefits.

I think there's some confusion here. For survivor benefits, you CAN get up to 6 months of retroactive benefits even before FRA. The rules are different than for retirement benefits! I'd definitely call back and speak to a different representative. Sometimes they give incorrect information.

I had SUCH a tough time getting through to someone knowledgeable at SSA about my GPO situation. After getting disconnected 5 times and waiting on hold for hours, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a real person in under 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU When I finally got through, I specifically asked about the lookback rules for survivor benefits with GPO. The specialist confirmed that survivor benefits CAN be paid retroactively up to 6 months regardless of age. The key is getting to someone who knows the specific GPO rules with survivor benefits.

my sister had this same problem!!! she got denied retroactive because the first person didnt understand about pension offset rules. you need to be very clear and ask for a technical expert who understands GPO calculations. don't take no for an answer!!!

The lookback period for survivor benefits is different than retirement benefits. Social Security allows up to 6 months of retroactive survivor benefits regardless of your age. What matters here is when your pension amount changed in relation to when you reapplied. Section GN 03101.125 of the POMS (Program Operations Manual System) covers this. You should reference this specific policy when you call back. The key thing to emphasize is that this is a survivor benefit claim with a change in GPO amount, not a standard retirement claim. Your retroactive benefits would likely start from the month your pension changed (November 2024) or up to 6 months prior to your January 2025 application - whichever is later.

Just want to add a note of caution here. While you may be entitled to some retroactive benefits, they might be reduced because you're claiming survivor benefits before your FRA. So the retroactive amount might be less than you're expecting. The reduction is permanent too, so that's something to consider.

Please update us on what happens! I'm curious because my mom is in a similar situation with her teacher's pension and survivor benefits. The whole GPO thing is SO complicated and unfair. I swear they make these rules confusing on purpose!

One week later: Any update on your situation? Were you able to get through to someone who properly understood the GPO rules for retroactive survivor benefits?