Will my spouse benefits change after GPO reform - CSRS retiree confused about entitlement date

Thanks for the clarification. So even though my benefits were suspended due to GPO, those early filing reductions from filing at 65 instead of 67 are permanent? That's disappointing but I guess it makes sense.

That's interesting - so there might still be hope! Please let me know if your wife hears anything more specific about suspended benefits like mine. I really appreciate the insider perspective.

While they might still be working on implementation details, the law itself doesn't change entitlement dates. The reduction factors are applied at the time of original filing, not when benefits resume after suspension. I wouldn't get your hopes up about backdating the entitlement to reduce the early filing penalty.

Seven trips?! That's terrible. I only had to go twice, but each visit took over 3 hours of waiting. Did you ever figure out if there's a way to reduce the age penalties?

No luck on the age penalties - once they're calculated, they're permanent from what I understand. But at least with the GPO reform you'll get something now instead of zero!

Thank you so much for this detailed advice! This is exactly the kind of specific information I was hoping for. I'll definitely ask about Form SSA-521 when I contact them. Do you know if there's a deadline for requesting this type of withdrawal?

There's no deadline specifically related to the GPO changes, but generally withdrawals work best when requested relatively close to a rule change. I'd recommend contacting SSA by March 2025 at the latest. Just be prepared that the first representative you speak with might not be familiar with this approach - you may need to ask for a technical expert or supervisor who handles complex CSRS cases.

I've never heard of this service before. Does it really work? The phone situation with SSA is absolutely terrible, especially now with everyone calling about the GPO changes. I might try this if it actually gets you through to a real person.

Yes, it really worked for me! I was skeptical too but after weeks of failed attempts to reach SSA directly, I was desperate. The agent I spoke with pulled up my full record and explained everything about how my CSRS pension affected my benefits. Much better than trying to figure it out alone or waiting months for an in-person appointment.

The new GPO reform doesn't eliminate the offset completely, but it reduces it. Currently, your spousal benefit is reduced by 2/3 of your CSRS pension. Starting in 2025, that reduction will be less (exact formula depends on your specific situation). So if GPO currently eliminates your entire benefit, you might get at least some payment when the new rules take effect. You'll need to contact SSA to get a personalized calculation based on your specific circumstances.

Thank you!!! That's the clearest explanation I've seen. So I might actually get SOMETHING instead of NOTHING? That's huge! Does this happen automatically or do I need to apply for something?

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits (even if they're reduced to $0 by GPO), the adjustment should happen automatically. If you haven't applied yet, you'll need to file an application. Either way, it would be good to contact SSA directly in early 2025 to make sure your case is being reviewed under the new rules.

Thanks for that specific terminology! Having the right words to use makes such a difference when talking to SSA. I've written it down to mention during my call.

This could work, but there are important considerations: 1. If you received any payments (even $1) before GPO suspended your benefits, you'd have to repay ALL benefits received 2. Medicare enrollment could be affected if you initially enrolled through your spouse's record 3. There's a time limit on withdrawals - typically 12 months from first entitlement The "withdrawal and refile" strategy works best if: - Your benefits were immediately offset to $0 by GPO - You never received any actual payments - You have alternate Medicare coverage or enrolled on your own record Definitely discuss with a knowledgeable SSA representative before proceeding.

I agree it feels really unfair sometimes. I paid into Medicare my whole career but nearly couldn't get it without jumping through hoops. At least the reform is a step in the right direction, even if it doesn't fix everything.