Q. I am CSRS Offset. It is my understanding that when I apply for Social Security, a portion of my CSRS Offset retirement will be SS. My question involves my husband’s collection of his SS. When he passes, will I be eligible for his SS? I know his is more and we are making retirement plans for him.
A. When you reach age 62, your CSRS annuity will be reduced by the amount of Social Security benefit you earned while a CSRS Offset employee. That happens whether you apply for a Social Security benefit or not. If you apply for a Social Security benefit, it will be based on all your Social Security covered employment. Note: If you have fewer than 30 years of substantial earnings under Social Security, the windfall elimination provision will reduce that benefit.
If you were covered by CSRS Offset for at least 60 months, you’ll be able to receive an unreduced Social Security survivor benefit. If you have fewer than 60 months, you’ll be subject to the government pension offset provision. The GPO would reduce that benefit by $2 for every $3 you receive in your CSRS annuity.
