Government Pension Offset (GPO): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how receiving a government pension can reduce your spousal or survivor Social Security benefits under the Government Pension Offset.
The Government Pension Offset (GPO) is a rule that reduces the amount of Social Security benefits you receive based on your spouse's work record if you also receive a pension from a government job.
Who it's for
This applies to teachers or other government employees who receive a pension from a government position and are also eligible to claim spousal or survivor benefits through Social Security.
What you get
This is not a payment you receive; rather, it is a calculation used to reduce the amount of spousal or survivor Social Security benefits you are eligible to collect.
What it costs you
The reduction is calculated as two-thirds of the amount of your government pension.
The catch to know
Because the reduction is based on a fraction of your pension, this offset can often result in your spousal benefits being reduced to zero.
How to apply
- Review your government pension details to understand your monthly income.
- Determine if you are eligible for spousal or survivor Social Security benefits.
- Contact the Social Security Administration to discuss how your specific pension amount might affect your benefits.