{"id":72962,"date":"2026-04-09T13:29:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T18:29:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trta.org\/?p=72962"},"modified":"2026-04-09T13:29:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T18:29:46","slug":"letter-to-the-editor-social-security-spousal-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trta.org\/es\/letter-to-the-editor-social-security-spousal-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Letter to the Editor: Social Security & Spousal Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"

(A message from TRTA Executive Director Tim Lee: We hope you enjoy this special guest letter:)<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you receiving all the Social Security benefits you\u2019re entitled to? You might be surprised.<\/p>\n

With the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) in January 2025, many retirees are now eligible to collect Social Security spousal benefits, whether for a living or deceased spouse, for the first time.<\/p>\n

If you or your spouse are already receiving benefits but they seem \u201cuneven,\u201d it may be worth taking a closer look. A simple call to Social Security (1-800-772-1213) could make a meaningful difference.<\/p>\n

After receiving a tip from a friend, my husband and I contacted Social Security in February 2026 and requested a review of our accounts. To our surprise, we learned that he was eligible for additional benefits based on my higher earnings record. We completed a formal application for spousal benefits in late March, and within just a few weeks, he is set to receive increased monthly payments, along with six months of back pay we didn\u2019t even realize he was owed.<\/p>\n

The takeaway is simple: when in doubt, check it out. A quick review could uncover benefits you didn\u2019t know you had earned.<\/p>\n

Note: Different rules may apply for divorced or widowed spouses, so be sure to ask about your specific situation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Submitted by: Dr. Amy Jo Baker
\nLegislative Chair & Past President
\nSan Antonio Area Retired Teachers Association (SAARTA)
\nTRTA District 20 Immediate Past President<\/p>\n

\u00a1Gracias!<\/h4>\n

Por favor ap\u00f3yanos hoy y\u00a0Renueva tu cuota de membres\u00eda<\/a>! Si no eres miembro,\u00a0Por favor \u00fanete hoy<\/a>\u00a1Puede ser el mejor $35 que invierta cada a\u00f1o en proteger y mejorar su sustento y sus ingresos mientras seguimos luchando por su seguridad jubilatoria!<\/p>\n

Aseg\u00farate de\u00a0Danos like en facebook<\/a>,\u00a0follow us on Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0S\u00edganos en Twitter<\/a>\u00a0y\u00a0suscr\u00edbete a nuestro canal de youtube<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(A message from TRTA Executive Director Tim Lee: We hope you enjoy this special guest letter:) Are you receiving all the Social Security benefits you\u2019re entitled to? You might be surprised. 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