I am getting conflicting information about foreign pensions from the SSA website and my local SSA office. Who is correct?

Full question: Hi, Martha, I understand that the WEP reduction for Foreign Pension cannot be more than 1/2 of the Foreign pension. That‘s even mentioned on the SSA website. Today, we went to our local SSA office and they said that the deduction up to 2/3s of the Foreign government pension. Who is correct –…

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Will my foreign pension lower my American Social Security benefits? What about my spousal benefits?

Full question: If my spousal SS benefit is higher than SS benefit based on own contribution (> 40 credit) would a foreign pension of a country with a totalization agreement lower US social security benefits? Hi, That is a great question. Generally speaking, foreign pensions do not affect Social Security spousal and survivor dependent benefits….

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I live in Australia. Will the WEP rule apply to my pension?

Full question: Hi Martha. I have tried the WEP screening tool, but it refers to a totalization agreement that confuses me. Asking this question so I can perhaps talk to a WEP expert in a consultation. I wish to know if the section on this document entitled: “Payments which cannot be used to apply WEP…

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My divorced spousal benefit is more than my own benefit. I also have a pension from Belgium. Will WEP apply?

Full question: I have social security benefits but would like to apply for Divorced Spouse as I will receive more than from my own record. I also receive a pension from Belgium. I know that GPO will not apply but will WEP apply? Hi there, The WEP rule only affects your retirement benefits, not dependent…

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