SS Question
 

Janke, if you are out there, I have a question.

I am a retired fed on SSDI; husband is also a fed and will retire in a couple of years. Anyway, I know if something happens to him, heaven forbid, I would receive the higher of the two which would be his. BUT, is there anything different with me being SSDI? Is there an offset as an example? Oh, and the CSRS-Offset was already taken. I was just wondering if there is something I should be aware of and/or is it handled in the traditional way so to say. Thanks!

I assume he is not CSRS or CSRS offset. You would receive the higher of the two Social Security benefits if you were full retirement age, probably age 66. If you receive widow's benefits before full retirement age, there would be a permanent reduction. Timing the filing for your widow's claim may be important.

Whether you are receiving SSDI or RSI, the computation is the same. You always receive your own benefit first. Then if you can get a higher benefit as a spouse or widow, you get the difference.

I don't think your widow's benefit would be subject to GPO (a reduction in your spousal benefits by a percentage of your government pension) because you are CSRS offset. Otherwise it would be.

Too much to figure in this forum.

Thanks Janke! :) No, he is FERS. And it is as I thought but I just wasn't sure. And no, the GPO wouldn't affect me. But I do understand; it can get very convoluted. Thanks again!