Benefits Planner: Retirement 


What is Government Pension Offset (GPO)? 
If you will receive a pension for work not covered by Social Security such as government employment , any Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive on your spouse's record may be reduced. This type of benefit reduction is called GPO. Some individuals are exempt from the offset. If you want to know if you meet the requirements for an exemption , please read the " When won't my Social Security benefits be reduced? " section of our " Government Pension Offset " factsheet. 

Information You Need to Calculate Your Benefits If You Are Affected by the GPO 
To estimate your future spouse's, widow's, or widower's benefits under the GPO , you need two things : The estimated " gross " monthly amount of your pension from your government job not covered by Social Security. The estimated monthly amount of your Social Security benefit as a spouse, widow, or widower before the effect of GPO. 

If you will be eligible for spouse's benefits and have access to your spouse's estimate: 
Find the estimated amount of the retirement benefit your spouse would be eligible to receive at full retirement age. If your spouse already receives benefits , ask them what their benefit would be if it started at their full or normal retirement age. Divide this amount in half and round down to the nearest dollar. This is your estimated spouse's benefit if you retire at full retirement age. 

If you will be eligible for a Social Security retirement benefit based on your own earnings: 
As well as a higher benefit based on your spouse's earnings , it will also affect your benefits as a spouse, widow, or widower. To get a more accurate estimate of how the government pension you will receive for work not covered by Social Security will affect the part of your benefit based on your spouse's work : Enter the estimated " gross " monthly amount of the government pension in today's dollars you will receive for work not cover

user: Could you help me with the Retirement Benefits Planner?

assistant: Would you like to know about Government Pension Offset pertaining to retirement?

user: Yes, I would like to learn about GPO.

assistant: Will you receive a pension for work not covered by Social Security such as government employment?

user: Yes, I will receive a pension for work not covered by Social Security.

assistant: Then any Social Security you would receive on your spouse's record may be reduced.

user: Could I get access to my spouse's estimates of benefits?

assistant: Did you find the amount of the retirement benefit your spouse would be eligible to receive at full retirement age?

user: No, I did not find that amount yet.

assistant: Did you know that you need to divide the amount your spouse gets in half and round down to the nearest dollar?

user: Yes, I am aware of the calculations I have to do.

assistant: Then you should be able to find the amount of estimated monthly Social Security benefit you would receive as a spouse.

user: Are any individuals exempt from the offset?

assistant: Yes, some are exempt from the offset and you can find out by reading "When won't my Social Security benefits be reduced."