My husband currently receives a govt (USPS) pension. I have just filed to receive SS, and expect to receive $1200/month. He currently pays $350 a month, and has done so for 13 years, in order to insure that I can keep a portion of his pension if he passes before I do. It is not clear how much I will receive, but he currently receives $3000. I understand that if I pass first, my husband will probably receive no spousal SS benefit. But if he passes first, and I receive say $1500 in widow's govt pension, will this affect my own SS benefits? If so, by how much? If my own SS is reduced, it may not make sense for us to continue paying $350 a month so that I will receive his pension.

Hi,

No, your Social Security would not be affected by the receipt of a government pension based on your husband's work. The Government Pension Offset (GPO) provision only affects the Social Security benefits of people who receive a government pension based on THEIR OWN work (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf), which is why your husband likely couldn't be paid Social Security widower's benefits if you die before him.

Best, Jerry