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 MoreCan my minor children collect Social Security benefits based on my ex-spouse’s earnings if he has not started collecting?
Full question: I meet all the qualifications to receive Social Security under my ex’s record. I plan on starting benefits at 62 because I have minor children. I can not figure out what the child benefit would be. 50% of my ex’s FRA will be $2000. I will have 2 minor children. If he has…
Read MoreAm I eligible to collect an ex-spousal benefit if my ex’s benefit is higher than mine?
Full question: I was married to my husband for 17 years and then divorced, can I draw my ex-husband benefit since his is higher than mine? Hi there, Yes, you may be eligible to collect benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings if you were married at least 10 years, are currently single, your ex-spouse is…
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 MoreIf an individual is turning their FRA and still working to earn 40 credits, will the new credits be added into their PIA?
Full question: If a retiree is turning their FRA and they do not have all 40 credits required to receive the full benefit, can they continue to work to obtain all 40 credits? If this retiree claims at his FRA, can he continue to work and will the credits be automatically recalculated into his PIA?…
Read MoreIs one eligible to receive Medicare benefits based on a spouse’s earning record?
Full question: My spouse is now receiving his retirement and Medicare benefits. I work intermittently and may never earn 40 credits. Will I be entitled/eligible to receive Medicare benefits as his spouse when I turn 65? Hello, Yes, you will! Just as you may be eligible to collect Social Security spousal benefits based on your…
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