Q. I am employed by the federal government under the CSRS system, with 44 years of service. My ex-husband recently died in December 2017 and I am getting his Social Security benefits of $1,365 per month. If I retired at the end of December 2018 would I still continue to get his SSI benefits at that same amount or would they be drastically cut, or I may not even get any? My ex-husband never worked for the federal government; he was only a veteran. I only have 24 credits worked toward my SSI benefits.
A. Your Social Security Spouse’s benefit may be reduced or completely eliminated by the Government Pension Offset (GPO). You’ll find an explanation at https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf.
