Pensions

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Will a teacher with a pension be subject to the GPO?

Full question: Martha, My wife is a retired teacher in Texas, She gets teacher retirement from TRS. She is over 62. Can she collect a spousal benefit from my Social Security without being subject to the GPO? Hello, Unfortunately, no. I am assuming her earnings as a teacher were not subject to the FICA payroll…

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What is the difference between the two pension rules, WEP and GPO, and how do they affect the benefits I am receiving?

Full question: How can I claim the difference of spousal payment due to WEP? At my full age I filed for Social Security, but due to a foreign pension they reduced my benefit amount, that is under 1/2 my spouse’s PIA. They should add diff of spousal benefit, but they say by GPO no spousal…

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Will my pension from the United Kingdom affect my U. S. Social Security survivor benefits?

Full question: Prior to becoming a US citizen I lived and worked in the UK and paid National Insurance contributions. My husband passed away after we had been living in the US for a number of years and I receive survivor benefits (at age 63). At FRA I think I would qualify for a UK…

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How will my foreign pensions impact the survivor benefits I receive?

Full question: I am collecting my deceased spouse’s benefits and I am eligible for a UK state pension and a UK teaching pension. How will these pensions apply or not apply to me? Thank you very much. Hello, There are two rules related to pensions and Social Security and they affect Social Security benefits in…

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Can I apply for spousal benefits since my own benefit will be decreased by WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision)?

Full question: My SS benefits will be whacked by WEP. Can I apply under my wife for spousal benefits and will they be half of her benefit (despite my WEP)? Hello, Yes, in fact when you apply for any Social Security benefits, you will be “deemed” to be filing for all the benefits you are…

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Will my Railroad spousal pension impact my Social Security retirement benefits?

Full question: My husband receives an annuity (pension) for his work with the Railroad Retirement system. I am 58 and will also be eligible to receive a spousal RR annuity at 60. I have many years of SS covered employment. Will my RR spousal pension impact my SS retirement benefits? Hello, It may be that…

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