- How It Works
- ServicesServicesOverviewChoose the right level of support for your plan and needsExpert ReviewA comprehensive review of inputs and reports to get you on the right pathFiling AssistanceLet our experts deal with Social Security for youClawback AssistanceFor those who need help fighting a Social Security benefit clawback
.png)
- Why Choose Us
- ResourcesResourcesBooksFrom the world-renowned economist behind Maximize My Social SecurityWebinars & PodcastsExpert tips and guides to help you get the maximum from Maximize My Social SecurtyArticlesIn-depth commentary on Social Security from our founderAsk LarryThousands of questions answered by our Social Security expertsBlogSocial Security insights to help you maximize your lifetime benefitsFAQYour most pressing questions answered
- Pricing
Ask Larry
Experts at Maximize My Social Security have answered more than 10,000 questions about Social Security over many years. Search for your questions and answers here.
Can My Wife Claim A Spousal Benefit Of 50% Of My Benefit When She Reaches Full Retirement Age?
I currently receive benefits with a slight WEP reduction. My wife is not receving benefits but is receiving a State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) benefit from OH. She has enough time in covered employment to earn a small SSA benefit (probably about $300 per month) which, I believe, will be reduced further by WEP. At her full retirement age (66y4m) can she claim a spousal benefit of 50% of my benefit?
Hi,
Probably not. It sounds like any spousal benefits that your wife could otherwise qualify for would be subject to offset due to the Government Pension Offset (GPO) provision (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf). Assuming that your wife's earnings under the STRS pension program were exempt from Social Security taxes, her spousal benefits would almost certainly be offset by an amount equal to 2/3rds of the amount of a her STRS pension.
Our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) is fully programmed to handle computations involving both WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) and/or GPO, so your wife may want to strongly consider using it to explore and compare her various options for claiming benefits.
Best, Jerry
Category:
Posted:
August 24, 2019