Q. I am 74 years old, retired under CSRS and receiving about $1,900 per month after taxes and Medicare payments. My wife is 76 years old, retired under Social Security and receives about $290 per month after Medicare. Am I correct in the following assumptions:
1. The spouse of a Social Security retiree can receive a benefit amount up to 50 percent of what the retiree receives and not affect the retiree’s benefits.
2. The spouse of a CSRS retiree does not receive such a benefit.
If I am correct, this example only helps to substantiate the idea the Congress cares not for employees who contributed so much for the federal government.
A. The facts don’t substantiate “the idea that the Congress cares not for employees who contributed so much for the federal government.” To learn why, go to http://ssa.gov/10007.html and read the Social Security Administration’s explanation of the government pension offset.
