Number: RL32453
Title: Social Security: The Government Pension Offset (GPO)
Authors: Laura Haltzel, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: Generally, Social Security benefits are payable to the spouses of retired, disabled, or deceased workers covered by Social Security. Spousal benefits are intended for individuals who are financially dependent on spouses who work in Social Security-covered positions. Individuals who qualify for both a Social Security worker benefit (retirement or disability) based on their own work history and a Social Security spousal benefit based on their spouse's work history are "dually-entitled" and are subject to the dual-entitlement rule. The Social Security dual-entitlement rule requires that 100% of a Social Security retirement or disability benefit earned as a worker (based on one's own Social Security-covered earnings) be subtracted from any Social Security spousal benefit one is eligible to receive (based on their spouse's Social Security-covered earnings), and only the difference, if any, is paid as a spousal benefit.
Pages: 15
Date: January 11, 2008