Determining Widow Benefits for a CSRS Offset Pension Recipient

I have a client that’s under the CSRS offset, is 63 years old and gets approx $5,731/mo.  Unfortunately, his wife just passed at 69 years old.  What’s the best way to determine if it makes sense for him to collect his wife’s ss?  His wife was collecting $2,357/mo?  Will the widow benefit be redacted by his pension?

Your client, who is under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) Offset and currently receives approximately $5,731 per month, may be subject to the Government Pension Offset (GPO) when considering collecting his late wife’s Social Security benefits. However, there are specific exemptions to GPO that might apply to his situation.

Here’s how to assess whether it makes sense for him to collect his wife’s Social Security benefits:

1. Government Pension Offset (GPO):

   • General Rule: Under the GPO, your client's widow's benefits would typically be reduced by two-thirds of his government pension. Given his monthly pension amount, this reduction could significantly affect the potential widow’s benefit of $2,357.

2. Exemptions to GPO:

   • Exemptions Apply If:
     • His government pension is not based on his earnings.
     • His pension is from a federal, Civil Service Offset, state, or local government job where he paid Social Security taxes, and at least one of the following conditions applies:
       • He filed for and was entitled to spouse, widow, or widower benefits before April 1, 2004.
       • His last day of employment in the job was before July 1, 2004.
       • He paid Social Security taxes on his earnings during the last 60 months of government service. (In some cases, fewer than 60 months are required for those whose last day of employment was between June 30, 2004, and March 2, 2009.)

3. Next Steps:

   • Review the Exemptions: You and your client should review the detailed exemptions available on the Social Security Administration’s GPO Calculator to determine if any apply to his situation.
   • Contact SSA: If it appears that any of the exemptions might apply, your client should contact the Social Security Administration to verify his eligibility and understand how much, if any, of the widow's benefit he could collect.

In summary, while GPO generally applies to situations like your client’s, certain exemptions could allow him to collect his late wife’s Social Security benefits without significant reduction. It’s important to carefully assess these exemptions to make an informed decision. If you need further assistance or specific calculations, feel free to reach out!

The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Social Security rules change periodically, so some information may become outdated. For the most accurate advice, consult a certified National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®). Social Security Professionals, LLC, and NSSA® are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this blog's content. Use of this blog does not create a client relationship, and all information is provided "as is" without guarantees. By using this blog, you agree to hold Social Security Professionals, LLC, and NSSA® harmless from any claims or liabilities arising from its content. For personalized guidance, contact an NSSA® professional.