Determining whether a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) retiree can collect spousal Social Security benefits has historically been complicated. Previously, those under CSRS did not pay into Social Security, making them ineligible for certain benefits due to the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). However, the Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law in early 2025, repealed both the GPO and WEP. This change allows CSRS retirees and other affected individuals to receive full Social Security benefits without reductions based on their pension.
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What Is the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)?
The CSRS is the retirement plan established for federal employees who began their careers before 1984. It was replaced by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) in 1986. However, there were still 44,000 active federal employees enrolled in CSRS as of 2022, as well as more than 1.5 million retirees and survivor annuitants covered by the system, according to the most recent Federal Employees’ Retirement System: Summary of Recent Trends report.
Unlike FERS, which includes Social Security benefits, CSRS is a standalone system that provides pension benefits directly from the federal government. Federal employees enrolled in CSRS contribute a portion of their salary to the retirement system throughout their careers. Typically, employees contribute at least 7% of their pay to CSRS. In return, they do not pay Social Security taxes, which is a key distinction between CSRS and other retirement plans like FERS.
CSRS offers a defined benefit pension plan, which means that retirees receive a guaranteed monthly pension. The pension is calculated using a formula that takes into account the employee’s length of service and average salary.
Can a CSRS Retiree Collect Spousal Benefits?
With the repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) in 2025, CSRS retirees can now receive full Social Security spousal or survivor benefits, just like other beneficiaries.
Previously, the GPO reduced a CSRS retiree’s spousal or survivor benefits by two-thirds of their CSRS pension. This often resulted in retirees receiving little to no Social Security spousal benefits. Now that the GPO is eliminated, CSRS retirees who qualify can receive their full Social Security spousal benefits based on their spouse’s work history.
CSRS retirees may also qualify for Social Security benefits if they worked in Social Security-covered jobs long enough to earn sufficient credits.
What About the Windfall Elimination Provision?
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which previously reduced Social Security benefits for retirees receiving non-Social Security-covered pensions, has also been fully repealed.
Before its repeal, the WEP affected individuals who had both:
- Worked in Social Security-covered jobs long enough to earn at least 40 credits.
- Received a pension from non-covered employment, such as a CSRS pension or foreign employment.
The WEP often reduced Social Security benefits for these retirees. In fact, approximately 2.1 million people or 3% of all Social Security recipients were subject to the WEP as of December 2023, according to the Congressional Research Service. As of 2025, this reduction no longer applies. Affected individuals – including CSRS retirees – will now receive their full Social Security benefits based on their earnings record.
How Are Social Security Spousal Benefits Calculated?
People who claim spousal Social Security benefits can receive up to 50% of their partner’s full retirement benefit. To qualify, the spouse must be at least 62 years old, although there is no age limit if they are caring for a child under 16 or disabled. Importantly, spousal benefits do not reduce the working spouse’s Social Security benefits – they are an additional benefit based on the working spouse’s record.
The spousal benefit amount is based on the working spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA), which determines their benefit at full retirement age. If both spouses worked and are eligible for a Social Security benefit, the non-working or lower-earning spouse will receive the highest one. If this spouse claims benefits before their full retirement age, the benefit will be reduced. However, delaying benefits beyond full retirement age does not increase them.
Bottom Line
The repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) means that CSRS retirees will now receive full Social Security benefits without reductions. Those who qualify for spousal or survivor benefits can collect them without offsets, and individuals who worked in both government and Social Security-covered jobs will receive full Social Security benefits based on their earnings record. The Social Security Fairness Act is expected to increase benefits for 3.2 million people and include retroactive payments dating back to January 2024 for those previously affected by WEP and GPO reductions.
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