What should I do if the Social Security Administration is using the GPO against me despite having a foreign pension?
Full question: SSA are refusing to acknowledge that my U.K. pension does not trigger the GPO when I applied for survivor benefits. I have highlighted the relevant section to them. What should be my next step? Hi there, Foreign pensions are not considered as government pensions for purposes of the GPO provision, as specified in…
Read MoreWill my deceased husband’s foreign pension affect my survivor benefit?
Full question: I, the beneficiary, am eligible to receive a part of my deceased husband’s UK widow’s clergy pension. Will it affect my survivor Social Security benefit?. Hello, No, it will not for two reasons. If you are collecting a pension benefit based on someone else’s earnings (your husband), the Government Pension Offset (GPO) rule…
Read MoreWill 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreWill 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…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read More