Will Social Security WEP/GPO repeal increase widow's benefits from third husband with government pension?

The WEP/GPO repeal legislation isn't finalized yet, so contacting SSA now probably won't get you definitive answers. They can only apply current rules. However, it would be helpful to understand how her current benefit was calculated and which specific provision (WEP or GPO) affected husband #3's benefits. GPO reduces spouse/widow benefits if you receive a pension from work not covered by Social Security. WEP reduces the worker's own benefit if they had both covered and non-covered employment. If her third husband's benefit was reduced by WEP (affecting his own benefit), the repeal might increase what she could get as his widow. But you need to know if his benefit would be higher than what she's currently receiving from husband #1 even after potential WEP elimination. SSA can at least tell you what husband #3's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) would be without WEP.

OMG the survivor rules r so confusing!!! my mom got widowed twice to and she said she just takes whatever check is biggest. Maybe just wait until the repeal actually happens? nobody knows when that will actually happen tho

Your mother's situation is exactly the type that might benefit from the WEP/GPO repeal. Since she's drawing survivor benefits from husband #1, and husband #3 had a government pension affected by GPO, she might indeed qualify for a higher benefit once the repeal is implemented. Here's what I recommend: 1. Contact SSA and ask for the PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) for all three husbands WITHOUT the GPO/WEP reduction applied. 2. Ask specifically what husband #3's unreduced Social Security benefit would have been. 3. Compare this to what she currently receives from husband #1's record. This will tell you whether it's worth pursuing once the repeal happens. Keep in mind, even if legislation passes, implementation will take time - likely 1-2 years minimum. Given your mother's age, it's worth starting the information gathering now.

My sister was in a similar situation and SSA told her to just wait!! They said they cant even process those kind of hypothetical questions about repeals that havent happened yet!!!

I dealt with a similar situation when trying to get information about my deceased husband's benefits. Spent WEEKS trying to get through to SSA on the phone - constant busy signals, disconnects, and hours on hold. I eventually discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to a real agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I spoke with an agent, they were able to give me the unreduced PIA amounts I needed to compare options. Given your mom's age, it might be worth using a service like this rather than spending weeks trying to get through on your own.

I don't want to be a downer but they've been talking about repealing WEP/GPO for YEARS and nothing happens. My dad was a teacher with a pension and my mom got hit with GPO when he died. She's been waiting for a repeal for 8 years now. I wouldn't hold your breath.

Maybe I misunderstanding something - I thought the widow always gets the HIGHER of either their own benefit OR their deceased spouse's benefit? So if your mom is already getting the highest benefit (from husband #1), why would it matter if husband #3's benefit increases after WEP repeal? Wouldn't she just continue getting the highest one available?

Something else to consider: The GPO/WEP repeal proposals usually include a phase-in period, not an immediate full repeal. This means the full benefit increase would likely come gradually over several years. Given your mother's age, I'd recommend getting the information now so you're prepared to take action as soon as any legislation passes. While you're gathering this information, also ask about what documentation she might need to provide if she needs to switch to claiming on husband #3's record. Having these documents ready (marriage certificate, death certificate, etc.) can save time later.