Social Security Administration makes big change: Here’s how it could affect you

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has quietly changed a rule regarding widows and widowers as well as divorcees.

Specifically, those whose spouses worked in the public sector and who didn’t always pay Social Security taxes.

According to an agency press release, if a spouse who worked in the public sector received a pension, Social Security benefits tended to be reduced. In some cases, spousal and survival benefits were even eliminated entirely.

“The [Government Pension Office] reduces the spousal or widow(er) benefit by two-thirds of the monthly non-covered pension and can partially, or fully, offset an individual’s spousal/widow(er) benefit, depending on the non-covered pension,” the SSA explained.

However, the agency has confirmed that payments for divorcees, widows and widowers have been increased, as these reductions no longer apply. These groups will see their payments get raised via either higher monthly payments or lump-sum deposits.

According to NJ.com, this rule change could spell thousands for eligible recipients.

For more information on survivor or spousal benefits, please click here or here.

Economy

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