Q about getting both UK and US pensions

Update:

I got a call to arrange my over-the-phone SS application. I asked about the reduction in my SS due to getting a UK pension, and she said yes.  Also asked if getting a state university pension from the US would reduce it as well.  Apparently you can opt out of paying into SS if you work for the government.  But I did not. In fact, the bulk of my payments into SS will be from this job.  So, good news.  WEP calculator puts the total back up to $427.  Not huge but more than the $270 I was expecting.

Big surprise:  my dh who has never lived or worked in US is eligible for SS based on me.  You have to married more than 10 years to get it.  He will have to be interviewed on the phone as well and will also have to get a SS number.  Unexpected income is always nice.  Just hoping his UK pensions don't count against him. 

Excellent news, thanks for the update.

WEP calculator puts the total back up to $427. 

Just hoping his UK pensions don't count against him. 

Good news indeed.

Your husbands pension will be based only on 1/2 of yours, so if yours is $426, his will be $213. His other UK pensions will not be considered for his amount, only 1/2 of your benefit. 

But the UK will want tax on 90% of it so it may not even be that much after all.  And...the UK changed the law this year so the UK does not give British pensions to spouses of Brits abroad in the same circumstances. This policy change will inevitably cost the US government some money so the US may decide not to pay this kind of non-contributory spouse's pensions to folks in the UK one fine day.

Good news indeed.

Your husbands pension will be based only on 1/2 of yours, so if yours is $426, his will be $213. His other UK pensions will not be considered for his amount, only 1/2 of your benefit. 

I was totally surprised he'd get anything.  Wondered about his pensions counting against it, so that's good.  Since he'll have a SS number does that mean he'd have to file a tax return for the US? 

But the UK will want tax on 90% of it so it may not even be that much after all.  And...the UK changed the law this year so the UK does not give British pensions to spouses of Brits abroad in the same circumstances. This policy change will inevitably cost the US government some money so the US may decide not to pay this kind of non-contributory spouse's pensions to folks in the UK one fine day.

He's already in the higher tax bracket with his work pension + UK pension.  So if he gets £100/month after tax that's okay.  It's £100 more than expected.

And...the UK changed the law this year so the UK does not give British pensions to spouses of Brits abroad in the same circumstances. This policy change will inevitably cost the US government some money so the US may decide not to pay this kind of non-contributory spouse's pensions to folks in the UK one fine day.

Ahhh, the ever cheerful reply!  

Unfortunately, I agree.

The question will be does it alter all payments; or will it except payments already being made and only concern new applicants after that "one fine day". As they say "make hay while the sun shines".

I was totally surprised he'd get anything.  Wondered about his pensions counting against it, so that's good.  Since he'll have a SS number does that mean he'd have to file a tax return for the US? 

As long as US SS is his only US income there is no need for him to file US tax as US SS paid to a UK resident is not US taxable.

As long as US SS is his only US income there is no need for him to file US tax as US SS paid to a UK resident is not US taxable.

Didn't think so.  He wouldn't be happy about that!  I'm not crazy about the forms either.

Ahhh, the ever cheerful reply!  

Unfortunately, I agree.

The question will be does it alter all payments; or will it except payments already being made and only concern new applicants after that "one fine day". As they say "make hay while the sun shines".

I doubt they would take it away from anyone already getting it. 

Just had my phone application for SS - dh as well.  Looks like I'll get more than I thought.  Since my UK pension based solely on my earnings was only £25 it had been topped up based on dh's contributions to £74.  However, they will only reduce my SS based on the £25, not the entire amount.  So I should be getting about $500 which means $250 for dh, right?