Social Security Question

[cj1717]

I have searched the forum and have seen answers going both ways:

I am retired Civil Service ( do not have enough "quarters" to qualify for Social Security).

My wife is eligible.

The question: Am I still entitled to receive the equivalent of half of the amount that she receives?

Tks in advance!

[Dreamer]

Probably not. Your Noncovered Pension May Affect Your Benefits As Spouse or Widow/Widower

If you receive a pension from a government job in which you did not pay Social Security taxes, some or all of your Social Security spouse's, widow's or widower's benefit may be offset due to receipt of that pension. This offset is referred to as the Government Pension Offset, or GPO.
The GPO will reduce the amount of your Social Security spouse's, widow's or widower's benefits by two-thirds of the amount of your government pension. For example, if you receive a monthly civil service pension of $600, two-thirds of that, or $400, must be used to offset your Social Security spouse's, widow's or widower's benefits. If you are eligible for a $500 spouse's benefit, you will receive $100 per month from Social Security ($500 - $400 = $100).
Some individuals are exempt from the offset.

[donheff]

What Dreamer said. I am in the same situation as you and will not receive a spousal SS benefit. I am not complaining since my Pension is far larger and cost me only a bit more out of pocket than others paid for SS.

[ripper1]

I am also a government retiree with a pension. My wife will be eligible for SS. Is it my understanding she will receive her full benefit regardless of my pension?

[Corporateburnout]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ripper1 I am also a government retiree with a pension. My wife will be eligible for SS. Is it my understanding she will receive her full benefit regardless of my pension?

But the question is will you receive half of her SS when you retire?

[akck]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ripper1 I am also a government retiree with a pension. My wife will be eligible for SS. Is it my understanding she will receive her full benefit regardless of my pension?

Yes. A government pension in lieu of SS only affects the person receiving the pension, be it WEP or GPO.

[ripper1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by akck Yes. A government pension in lieu of SS only affects the person receiving the pension, be it WEP or GPO.

Thank you that was my understanding also.