Ask Larry

Thanks for the below Jerry

Does that mean that my wife's UK state Pension will not be used in any WEP calculations. Only my State pension and my PIA will affect her benefit?

"Hello Larry
Both my wife and I worked in the US for a while. My wife did not pay enough SS contributions to be eligible for SS benefits. I however paid full contributions and am currently receiving SS benefits and my wife is also receiving SS benefits as a spouse based on my contributions. We are both coming up to UK State pension age and I understand this will trigger the WEP and will reduce my SS benefits. Our question is will my wife's UK pension affect her spousal SS benefits due to WEP
Thanks
Hi. No. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) only affects Social Security retirement and disability (SSDI) benefits, not spousal or survivor benefits. However, since unreduced spousal benefits are calculated based on 50% of the worker's primary insurance amount (PIA), if your PIA is reduced due to WEP that will also cause your wife's spousal benefit rate to be reduced.
Best, Jerry?

Hi Again. Yes. Your wife's UK pension could only be used in a WEP calculation if she qualified for a U.S. Social Security retirement or disability benefit based on her own U.S. earnings. Her UK pension won't have any effect on either your U.S. Social Security benefits nor any U.S. spousal or survivor benefits for which your wife may qualify.

By the way, our software is fully programmed to handle WEP calculations, so you should strongly consider using the software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry