Government Pension Offset Calculator
GPO reduces and often eliminates Social Security spousal and survivor benefits for government pension recipients. The offset is 2/3 of your monthly government pension. See exactly what it costs you, and check whether the 2024 Social Security Fairness Act changed your situation.
How this calculator works and the math behind itHow GPO works
The Government Pension Offset reduces your Social Security spousal or survivor benefit by 2/3 of your monthly government pension. The rule applies when your government pension comes from employment not covered by Social Security -- CSRS federal workers, most state teachers, and many state and local government employees fall into this category.
GPO is often far more devastating than WEP because it affects survivor income, not just your own benefit. A widow who worked as a teacher in a non-SS-covered position her entire career may receive a $3,000/month teacher pension. GPO would offset her spousal or survivor SS benefit by $2,000/month (2/3 of $3,000), potentially wiping it out entirely.
Unlike WEP, there is no phase-out based on years of covered earnings. The 2/3 offset applies fully unless you qualify for an exemption.
Social Security Fairness Act (December 2024)
GPO was eliminated by the Social Security Fairness Act signed in December 2024, along with WEP. Affected workers are owed retroactive payments for the months they were underpaid in 2024, plus their monthly benefit should now reflect the GPO-free calculation.
If your spousal or survivor Social Security benefit was being reduced or zeroed out by GPO, SSA should have contacted you about the change. If you have not heard from them, call 1-800-772-1213 or log in to ssa.gov/myaccount to check your updated benefit amount.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Government Pension Offset?
GPO reduces Social Security spousal or survivor benefits by 2/3 of your government pension amount. If you receive a $3,000/month pension from a non-SS-covered job, your spousal or survivor SS benefit is reduced by $2,000. It can reduce the benefit to zero.
Was GPO eliminated?
Yes. The Social Security Fairness Act (December 2024) eliminated GPO retroactive to January 2024. SSA is processing payments and increasing monthly benefits for affected workers. Contact SSA to confirm your updated amount.
How is GPO different from WEP?
WEP reduces your own SS retirement or disability benefit. GPO reduces the spousal or survivor SS benefit you receive based on your spouse's earnings record. Both rules can apply at the same time.
Who is most affected by GPO?
Women in public sector jobs -- teachers, nurses, government clerks -- who worked their entire careers in non-SS-covered positions and planned to rely on their spouse's SS record in retirement. Many do not discover the impact until they are close to or already in retirement.
Are there GPO exceptions?
GPO does not apply if your government pension is from work that was covered by Social Security. A narrow "last day" rule also exempted certain workers who were covered by SS on their last day of employment, though this exception was limited.