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Will My Social Security Benefits Be Subject To GPO?

Hi Larry,
I am about to turn 65 and apply for Social Security benefits as well as enroll in Medicare. I have worked my entire career in private industry and paid taxes accordingly. Fourteen years ago, I was divorced from my ex-spouse, a federal employee who just retired on September 1, 2017 (CSRS - 40 years). Since the divorce, I have obtained my health insurance through FEHB under the Spouse Equity provisions. I also have a Qualified Court Order and written approval from OPM to receive retirement and survivor benefits from my ex-spouse. That claim is being processed at the present time.
I would like to know if my Social Security benefits will be subject to the Government Pension Offset (GPO) rule? I have a scheduled phone interview with Social Security in late October. How should I answer the question about whether I am receiving a "government pension"?
Thank you for your assistance

Hi,

No, any benefits you receive based on your wife's work for the federal government will have no effect on your Social Security benefits. Social Security will ask you whether or not you receive or expect to receive a pension based on YOUR work that was not covered by Social Security, not your wife's work.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Sep 22 2017 - 7:59am
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