WEP/GPO frustration - hung up on by SSA while trying to establish protective filing date for spouse with CSRS pension

same thing happened to my brother. he finally just made an appointment. took like 6 weeks to get in but they did backdate his intent to file. gpo sucks, hope they get rid of it

As a retired federal employee under CSRS myself, I understand your frustration. Here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, you can establish a protective filing date by visiting an SSA office in person. Bring identification and your CSRS pension information. 2. While most offices prefer appointments, many have daily walk-in hours, typically early in the morning. Arrive at least 30 minutes before they open to get in the queue. 3. Specifically request a "protective filing date" for potential spousal benefits pending potential WEP/GPO legislation changes. Get this in writing before you leave. 4. The current Government Pension Offset will reduce spousal benefits by 2/3 of your CSRS pension amount, but having that protective filing date established is critical if legislation changes. I went through this process last year and while it took time, I did get what I needed. Good luck!

I had a similar issue trying to deal with SSA by phone - absolutely nightmare! After getting disconnected THREE times after hour+ waits, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Saved me from having to take a day off work to visit the office in person. The agent I spoke with was actually helpful and documented my protective filing date for my records. Much better than getting hung up on!

Be very careful about assuming the SS Fairness Act will actually pass! They've been trying to repeal GPO/WEP for decades with no success. I worked for a school district for 28 years with a non-covered pension and lost almost ALL of my rightful SS benefits from my second career because of this terrible penalty! 😡 Went to my local office THREE times and each time got different information. They told me the "protective filing date" doesn't matter unless there's an actual law change that specifically includes retroactive provisions. Don't get your hopes up about back payments even if you do establish the filing date.

I'm a benefits counselor who works with federal retirees, and I can provide some clarification on this situation. The protective filing date is definitely important, but there are some nuances to understand: - For most SSA offices, early morning walk-ins are possible but not guaranteed. Call your specific office to verify their walk-in policy. - When you go, specifically ask for Form SSA-527 (Request for Protective Filing Date) which documents your intent to file for benefits. - Under current rules, this protective filing date is generally valid for 6 months, but if you formally file within that window, benefits can be paid retroactively to the protective filing date. - Regarding the Social Security Fairness Act - if it passes, the legislation would need to specifically address retroactive payments. Most versions I've seen phase out the WEP/GPO gradually rather than eliminate it immediately. - For CSRS retirees, bring your most recent pension statement showing your monthly benefit amount, as this is what's used to calculate the 2/3 GPO reduction. I recommend documenting everything in writing and getting the names of any SSA representatives you speak with.

when i went to SSA office they let me in without appointment but i had to wait 3 hours!!! bring snacks and phone charger lol

my dad got hung up on twice last month trying to deal with his GPO situation its like they dont want to help csrs people

To update on your specific question - yes, most SSA offices will help you with a walk-in, but be prepared for significant wait times. For establishing a protective filing date related to WEP/GPO specifically, I recommend: 1. Bring your CSRS pension documentation 2. Bring both your and your wife's SS cards and IDs 3. Have a simple written statement explaining you want to establish a protective filing date for spousal benefits in anticipation of potential legislative changes 4. Arrive first thing in the morning (ideally 30+ minutes before opening) 5. Be polite but firm about needing written documentation of the protective filing date Also, your wife does need to be present since it's her benefit application. The current GPO reduction is significant with CSRS pensions, so be prepared for them to try to discourage filing, but stand firm on establishing that date regardless.