Q: My husband is retired from the military. He will receive military retired pay and social security pay. Would his social security annuity be reduced if he receives my CSRS as a survivor benefit? I am trying to decide if I should elect SBP or if I should just take $$ to invest each month instead. I can’t see paying for SBP if his social security would be decreased.
A: His Social Security will not be reduced due to his receiving a survivor benefit (either CSRS or FERS). First, you are paying for that benefit by a deduction in your pension after you retire. Second, reductions to Social Security based on CSRS service apply only to the CSRS retiree, not to their spouse.
