CSRS Offset and widow's Social Security benefit

Q. I retired in September 2012 under CSRS Offset. My husband passed away 8½ years ago. I am about to turn 60 and will apply for Social Security spousal benefits. The Office of Personnel Management is telling me my annuity will still be reduced at age 62, when I am eligible for Social Security under my work record. Is this true?

A. Yes. The law requires that at age 62, a CSRS Offset employee’s annuity be reduced by the amount of Social Security benefit he or she earned while a CSRS Offset employee. However, the amount you receive will be the same. It will just come from two different places, OPM and the Social Security Administration.