Getting rid of WEP and GPO?

rothlev said:
the third situation is a person currently collecting some social security on their own account, but who now qualifies for spousal benefits (GPO repeal ) which will be higher than theirs under WEP repeal. This is the situation that appears to be being kicked out by the on line system.
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Perfect example. So, they might get retro benefits back awhile on the one, and then a new application and retro benefits on the other? Interesting.
 
rothlev said:
the third situation is a person currently collecting some social security on their own account, but who now qualifies for spousal benefits (GPO repeal ) which will be higher than theirs under WEP repeal. This is the situation that appears to be being kicked out by the on line system.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't say you're kicked out by the online system. As I mentioned upthread, if you parse together the several posts I made, I generally fall under this third situation: I receive reduced SS retirement benefits on my own account because of WEP, but never applied for spousal benefits because I would have been barred by GPO before this new legislation, shortly to be enacted when the President signs the bill.

I tried to apply online for spousal benefits with all the relevant information perhaps still in the system for SSA to process my application. The system told me it couldn't continue to process my application on December 27, 2024. I then called SSA and was told by the representative that for those who are currently collecting benefits, like me, the application has to be completed by an appointment and that the only appointments SSA was taking for these applications was over the phone. I scheduled a phone interview with SSA and the earliest date it had for me was February 19, 2025. Later on December 27, I received an email and text confirmation of the interview/appointment.

Yesterday, I received a notification in my MySocialSecurity message center with instructions for the phone interview. These basically said SSA will make every effort to call you at the appointed time, please have requisite ID information, and make sure you have the right bank account information for payments to you! Nothing odd about this boilerplate information.

We're so close to the finish line and I don't understand the incessant doubt (and now some bits of misinformation) seeping into this thread. Everyone's situation is likely to be different, even if there are common issues affecting us. For example, it could be that some of us might have to present marriage certificates (especially if the name on your Social Security Card is different from the name of the spouse whose record you claim spousal).
 
rothlev said:
the third situation is a person currently collecting some social security on their own account, but who now qualifies for spousal benefits (GPO repeal ) which will be higher than theirs under WEP repeal. This is the situation that appears to be being kicked out by the on line system.
Click to expand...
DW called SS earlier in the week. She has been collecting WEP reduced benefits since 2013 on her own record. She was told she did not have to apply for spousal benefits now because when she applied for benefits back in 2013 they automatically filed for spousal benefits for her. Because of GPO, her spousal benefit was zero, but the application is on file and does not need to be done again. So, they did not grant her an appointment to come in (or a phone interview) and told her to just wait.

That's what the agent said........

DW's current WEP-reduced benefit is not enough to cover her Part B + IRMAA obligation which she satisfies by paying 12 monthly bills and 1 additional annual bill each year. It'll be interesting to see how this gets redone after her benefit increases.
 
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When I originally applied for SS I was married to husband 3. Now divorced I am going to apply to receive SS under husband 2’s records.

I am going to take the application to the SS office on Monday. So they couldn’t have automatically figured what my spousal benefits would be back then because I was only eligible under number 3. Does anyone think I need to call for a phone appointment or just wait for them to process the paper application?
 
zl55lz said:
Perfect example. So, they might get retro benefits back awhile on the one, and then a new application and retro benefits on the other? Interesting.
Click to expand...

ChrisC said:
I wouldn't say you're kicked out by the online system. As I mentioned upthread, if you parse together the several posts I made, I generally fall under this third situation: I receive reduced SS retirement benefits on my own account because of WEP, but never applied for spousal benefits because I would have been barred by GPO before this new legislation, shortly to be enacted when the President signs the bill.

I tried to apply online for spousal benefits with all the relevant information perhaps still in the system for SSA to process my application. The system told me it couldn't continue to process my application on December 27, 2024. I then called SSA and was told by the representative that for those who are currently collecting benefits, like me, the application has to be completed by an appointment and that the only appointments SSA was taking for these applications was over the phone. I scheduled a phone interview with SSA and the earliest date it had for me was February 19, 2025. Later on December 27, I received an email and text confirmation of the interview/appointment.

Yesterday, I received a notification in my MySocialSecurity message center with instructions for the phone interview. These basically said SSA will make every effort to call you at the appointed time, please have requisite ID information, and make sure you have the right bank account information for payments to you! Nothing odd about this boilerplate information.

We're so close to the finish line and I don't understand the incessant doubt (and now some bits of misinformation) seeping into this thread. Everyone's situation is likely to be different, even if there are common issues affecting us. For example, it could be that some of us might have to present marriage certificates (especially if the name on your Social Security Card is different from the name of the spouse whose record you claim spousal).
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By "kicked out" I meant could not be completed on line, I got the message to call for an appointment as you did.

I was told there aren't any appointments available. I did call, and the rep couldn't answer any of my questions. You got way more information than I did. I am thinking the most efficient way to get the application in is thru the paper form, . .
 
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We submitted DHs application this morning. He has never applied for a benefit, but did apply for Medicare at age 65. The application was simple enough. It asked if he had govt. pension income but not the amount. After submitting he got the email confirmation. There was a note about letting him know that if they need more info, specifically a marriage certificate, they would ask for it.

I have our original certificate signed by the officiant so we’ll see if they need that, or one from the courthouse. When I applied for my SS benefit in 2019 I’m pretty sure they needed DHs SS number. But I don’t think I had to show proof of marriage.

He asked for his benefit to start July, 2024, the 6 month backdate.
 
I watched and applauded! Got a little choked up, too.

My senator is Sen. Sherrod Brown. He’s been wonderful for our state for many years. He lost in the last election.

If he retires, I hope he has many healthy, happy, wonderful years to enjoy it.

What a nice change this will be for so many people!
 
I watched, stood up and applauded. I also let out a whoop. My son who lives in the house next door called and I asked him if he heard me. He was calling about something totally unrelated.
 
In my case, the elimination of WEP will be significant, about $350 a month, but not major.

Delaying my starting date for SS benefits until just the bill was signed is the sort of timing I can't imagine being able to do intentionally. :dance:
 
Sue J said:
We submitted DHs application this morning. He has never applied for a benefit, but did apply for Medicare at age 65. The application was simple enough. It asked if he had govt. pension income but not the amount. After submitting he got the email confirmation. There was a note about letting him know that if they need more info, specifically a marriage certificate, they would ask for it.

I have our original certificate signed by the officiant so we’ll see if they need that, or one from the courthouse. When I applied for my SS benefit in 2019 I’m pretty sure they needed DHs SS number. But I don’t think I had to show proof of marriage.

He asked for his benefit to start July, 2024, the 6 month backdate.
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Congratulations!!!

I'm in the same situation as your DH, except I'm not at FRA so I don't think I qualify for any backdating. Did he have to submit YOUR ss#?
 
When will we start seeing the increase. Asking for a friend as it doesn't effect me
 
ducky911 said:
When will we start seeing the increase. Asking for a friend as it doesn't effect me
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Has your friend already filed and/or is already receiving benefits that have been reduced by the WEP/GPO? If so, I believe the adjustment will be made automatically and could, in appropriate circumstances, be retroactive to January 2024. If your friend has not yet filed for benefits, he or she should do that now and the benefits will be retroactive to the filing date.
 
Unless someone I love dies I go for decades not crying. I cried when president Biden signed. It was wonderful watching it live streamed. So many regular people worked for years to make this happen.
 
Teacher Terry said:
Unless someone I love dies I go for decades not crying. I cried when president Biden signed. It was wonderful watching it live streamed. So many regular people worked for years to make this happen.
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Yes, it was an emotional event for many folks who have been striving decades for basic fairness. 😊
 
Well, we just now filed online for the young wife's spousal benefit. The application still asks whether you get a benefit from a government job where you didn't pay into social security, so they've got some work ahead of them.
 
Add me to the list of new spousal Social Secuirty applicants although my situation is slightly different than many people. I never qualified or paid into either Medicare or Social Security because of being a government employee but last year I enrolled in Medicare when I turned 65 through my wife's work history which went fairly smooth considering I had to wait for a phone appointment. At the time I also had to give proof of birth along with a copy of our marriage license.

With Social Security now already having that paperwork on record it'll be interesting to see if that speeds up the process. I guess the jury is out on that one still. I still wouldn't be surprised if I don't see anything for many months because of the backlog. At least it finally submitted.
 
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