What is the Government Pension Offset (GPO)?
If you receive a pension based on federal, state or local government work in which you did not pay Social Security taxes and you qualify, now or in the future, for Social Security benefits as a current or former spouse, widow or widower, you are likely to be affected by GPO. If GPO applies, your Social Security benefit will be reduced by an amount equal to two-thirds of your government pension, and could be reduced to zero. Even if your benefit is reduced to zero, you will be eligible for Medicare at age 65 on your spouse’s record. Example: If you are eligible to receive a pension through the City of Los Angeles in the amount of $4,500. As a spouse, you are eligible for a Social Security benefit in the amount of $900 a month. Two-thirds of $4,500 is $3,000. The $3,000 is more than the $900 survivor benefit; therefore, the Social Security benefit is reduced to $0.
