Q & A
What’s the best scenario for spousal benefits?
Full question: I am 60 years old with a USPS pension (CSRS). I have earned 40 credits with side jobs to collect Social Security at age 62. My wife is 56. Can I get Social Security using her work record to increase what I get? Mine is $330/month before WEP. Please let me know the best scenario for me.
Answer: While you could, it’s likely that you would receive little or nothing. That’s because the spousal benefit of anyone receiving an annuity from a retirement system where he didn’t pay Social Security taxes will be subject to the government pension offset. The GPO would reduce that Social Security spousal benefit by $2 for every $3 you receive in your CSRS annuity.
Source: Reg Jones, FederalTimes.com, April 10, 2014
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