Spread the Word!Spouses and Former Spouses May Now Qualify for Social Security Benefits

The repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) means those previously NOT receiving Social Security spousal benefits may now be eligible. Many retirees are unaware of this change. Please help your fellow members. Encourage others to apply if they qualify for Social Security benefits and haven’t done so yet. Please help us spread the word by sharing this information with your former colleagues. We have included information in our newsletter, provided handouts at meetings, and would like to make a special effort to reach out to those in assisted living communities or those who may not have regular access to email nor online updates. Every member deserves the opportunity to benefit from this important news. Some of this may be new to you. Read on to see:

Spousal Social Security

If you qualify as a spouse or survivor—whether married, divorced, or widowed—but never applied due to the GPO, now is the time to do so. You may qualify if: a) You are age 62 or older; b) You were married for at least 10 years (in the case of divorce); and c) Your spouse or former spouse paid into Social Security. NOTE: The ten year rule does not apply if your spouse died before the 10 years.

Even if you’re unsure of your eligibility, it’s worth checking.

Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits (Current living spouse)

  • The most convenient way to apply for retirement or spouse’s benefits is online at www.ssa.gov/apply.
  • Please note that the online application continues to collect pension information until they are able to update it; however, they will not offset the benefit.
  • If you are applying for spouse’s benefits, please note that selecting “Family Benefits” will take you to the application for Retirement/Medicare benefits. This process ensures that you will be considered for all benefits you are entitled to.
  • SSA can take an application by telephone for people who did not previously apply for retirement benefits because of WEP or spouse’s benefits because of GPO. If you meet these conditions, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. When the system asks, “How can I help you today?”, say “Fairness Act.” Then, you’ll be asked a few questions. Your answers will help them connect you to a WEP-GPO trained representative to take your application.

Surviving Spouse’s Benefits

  • The survivor benefit application is not available online
  • Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 m. to 6:00p.m. ET. When the system asks, “How can I help you today?”, say “Fairness Act.” Then, you’ll be asked a few questions. Your answers will help them connect you to a WEP-GPO trained representative to take your application.
  • For additional eligibility information, visit ssa.gov/apply.

To apply for survivor benefits you must make an in-person appointment with SSA. If you need to make an appointment, the 1-800-772-1213 number will give you access to the Social Security Offices in Concord, Richmond and Berkeley. For your appointment, bring original documents of:  

1.     A government-issued ID and Your Social Security number

2.     Marriage certificate and/or divorce documents

3.     Spouse’s or former spouse’s Social Security number

4.     Your birth certificate

Even if you’re unsure of your eligibility, it’s worth checking.

If you need to make an appointment, the 1-800-772-1213 number will give you access to the Social Security Offices in Concord, Richmond and Berkeley.

IMPORTANT:  Think about your friends, neighbors and former colleagues.  Make sure they have this information and can access the website if necessary.  It could make a huge difference in their lives.

If you are already receiving reduced benefits—or were denied benefits altogether—due to WEP or GPO, the SSA is aware of your situation. As the new law is implemented, your benefit will be adjusted accordingly. If you have not had your own account adjusted or applied for spousal or survivor benefits, it is important you contact SSA: 1-800-772-1213. Most beneficiaries affected by WEP or GPO will not only see their full benefit restored but may also receive up to 15 months of back payments.

4. Federal Benefit Payments Going Fully Digital by September 30, 2025
On March 25, 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order titled Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Accounts. This order mandates that all federal payments will be delivered electronically starting September 30, 2025. The change affects a wide range of federal disbursements, including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), tax refunds, and federal vendor payments.
To receive payments, beneficiaries must switch to an approved digital payment method.
Acceptable options include direct deposit to a bank account, debit and prepaid cards, digital wallets, and real-time payment systems. These methods are intended to make payments faster,safer, and more efficient for all recipients.  

Steps for Beneficiaries Still Receiving Physical Checks: Using My Social Security: Visit SSA.gov to enroll in direct deposit and manage payment information. Be sure to keep your address and bank details up to date.

Again, if you know people who are still getting physical checks, please offer to help them.