Spousal & Divorced Benefits
How GPO Repeal Affects Survivor and Spousal Benefits
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 16, 2026
The short answer
Government Pension Offset (GPO) no longer applies to spousal and survivor benefits as of January 2024, due to the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023. Before this repeal, benefits could be reduced if the recipient was eligible for a pension from non-Social Security-covered government employment.
Repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO)
The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 eliminates the reduction of Social Security benefits under the Government Pension Offset (GPO) as of January 2024. Previously, GPO reduced spouse's Social Security benefits if they were receiving a pension from non-covered government work. This change means that for benefits payable from January 2024 onward, Social Security benefits will not be offset by a government pension.
GN 02608.100 View source ›Impact on Spousal and Survivor Benefits
Prior to January 2024, spousal or survivor benefits were subject to GPO. The reduction was calculated as two-thirds of the government pension amount, which could result in a total offset if the pension was significant. As of benefits paid starting in January 2024, this offset no longer applies, enabling beneficiaries to receive full Social Security benefits without deduction due to receipt of a government pension.
GN 02608.401 View source ›Exemptions to the GPO Prior to Repeal
Before the repeal, certain conditions exempted individuals from GPO. For instance, if a person received a military reserve pension, GPO did not apply, provided evidence was submitted indicating that the pension came wholly from military reserve service.
GN 02608.700 View source ›Procedure for Handling GPO Exemptions
To process a GPO exemption, beneficiaries had to submit substantive evidence such as award letters from the pension-paying agency. The offset would be verifiable only after thorough documentation from the qualifying sources confirming the nature and coverage of the pension.
GN 02608.200 View source ›Frequently asked
Will my spousal benefits increase with the GPO repeal in 2024?
Yes, starting in January 2024, spousal benefits are no longer reduced by the Government Pension Offset if you receive a government pension. Individuals who never applied for spousal, ex-spousal, or survivor benefits due to the total impact of the GPO should contact Social Security immediately to file an application for benefits.
What happens if I was partially affected by GPO before 2024?
After the GPO repeal effective January 2024, previous reductions will be lifted, allowing you to receive full Social Security benefits regardless of your government pension.
How does the repeal affect widows or widowers?
The repeal means that starting January 2024, widows or widowers will no longer see their Social Security benefits reduced due to receiving a government pension. Additionally, individuals who never applied for spousal, ex-spousal, or survivor benefits because the Government Pension Offset (GPO) completely eliminated their eligibility should contact Social Security immediately to file an application for benefits.
Is there any paperwork required to remove the GPO after the repeal?
No, the repeal is automatic from January 2024, so no additional paperwork is needed for spousal and survivor benefits.
How was GPO calculated before the 2024 repeal?
Prior to the repeal, GPO reduced the Social Security benefit by two-thirds of the government pension amount received from non-covered employment.