Q: I was hired and worked for the DoD for about 30 years. I’m currently collecting retirement under the CSRS system, however I have slightly more than 40 quarters paying into Social Security. I worked prior to my stint in the government. I keep receiving notices I’m about to receive $691 in my annual SS letters. I know very well I will not receive much money from them but I wonder if the Windfall Elimination Provision applies or the Government Pension Offset applies to my situation. I think I might receive some money. I was born in February, 1946.
A: You will be affected by the windfall elimination provision but not the government pension offset. The WEP reduces — but doesn’t eliminate — the Social Security benefit of anyone who receives an annuity from a retirement system where he didn’t pay Social Security taxes (such as CSRS) and has fewer than 30 years of substantial earnings under Social Security. The GPO reduces (and usually eliminates) the spousal Social Security benefit of anyone who is receiving an annuity from a retirement system where he didn’t pay Social Security taxes.
