Ask Larry

Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO

Can I Draw My Own Totalized Social Security Benefits And Claim Spousal Benefits?

I am 62 and eligible for the regular German retirement pension when I turn 66. It will be limited as I didn't pay in since spring 2003, when I moved to the US. I am a US citizen now. My American husband retired from the military and will from his civilian job in a few years. Can I draw my own totalized social security (absolutely minor US credits) and claim spousal US social security? Will the spousal benefits be reduced? Is there a threshold til which I am allowed to claim both?

Hi,

Posted: 
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 - 13:57

Can I Collect Under My Wife's Work Record?

I just retired at 62 having worked for the Postal Service under the Civil Service Retirement System. I have 39 Quarters under Social Security and I am working part time to secure my final and needed Quarter. I realize my SSA benefit will be reduced by the Windfall provision and also government offset. I can collect 500 a month under my work record now which will be reduced to about 250 I will be held harmless later when I take Medicare part B.

Posted: 
Monday, May 11, 2020 - 15:10

Has Anyone At The Federal Level Considered Reducing This Year's Substantial Earnings Amount Given The Current Economy?

Larry, I continue to work, have a small monthly pension from a state retirement fund and am collecting Social Security benefits. My monthly SSA benefit checks are reduced somewhat with the WEP based on my state (CO) retirement pension. I have been whittling that WEP deduction down each year by continuing to work and currently have logged 27 years of Substantial Earnings, with three to go before that WEP deduction is completely eliminated. I see that the published Substantial Earnings (SE) minimum for 2020 is $25575.

Posted: 
Friday, May 8, 2020 - 17:23

How Much Will WEP Reduce My Benefit?

I have worked 47, years. This makes 35, under Social Security. I worked 37, at IRS. I switched to FERS in 1998. I have 21, years substantial earning years. I turned 62, in 2016. My pension is part CSRS part Fers coponents ,19 cars 18 FERS. My estimate is 1335 a month if WEP occurs how much will it be reduced? We were sold it would not be.

Hi,

Posted: 
Thursday, April 30, 2020 - 08:30

Can I Receive My Full Social Security And A Survivor Pension From My Wife's Civil Service Work?

My wife is retired from federal government civil service. She pays for survivors benefits to be paid to me upon her passing. I will draw from my social security at retirement. Will I be entitled to all of the survivors benefit as well as my full social security if she passes before me? Thank you

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, April 27, 2020 - 10:52

Can I Delay My 401a Pension Payouts Until Age 70 To Defer GPO Offset?

I am trying to find out two things regarding the Government Pension Offset provision: I currently work in higher education that does not pay into SS. I hope to retire soon...I have a 401A pension plan through the university.

My question is twofold:

1. Once I retire, can I delay by 401a pension payouts until 70 in order to get the full Survivor Benefit that is available due to the death of my husband (he paid into SS his whole life)?

Posted: 
Sunday, April 26, 2020 - 15:04

Will I Receive My Full Social Security Benefits Even Though I Receive A CSRS Survivor Benefit?

I’m currently receiving a survivors annuity from my wife who was a post office employee under the CRSR programMeaning she did not pay into Social Security she paid into a retirement pension will I be able to receive my full Social Security benefits even
Even though I’m Receiving survivors benefits

Hi,

Yes, receipt of a federal CSRS survivor pension would have no effect on any type of Social Security benefits for which you may be eligible.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 15:51

How Will SSA Calculate The WEP Guarantee If You Become Eligible For A New Non-Covered Pension?

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) guarantee is based on 50% of the amount (in U.S. dollars) of your non-covered pension in your first month of concurrent entitlement to the non-covered pension and Social Security benefits. How will SSA calculate a new pension amount, to subtract 50% of the amount of non-covered pension or introduce some adjustments to this amount like COLA or others.
Thank you

Hi,

Posted: 
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 - 14:56
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