Q: I am a 55-year-old recently retired postal employee and I receive a CSRS annuity every month. I plan to collect Social Security benefits when I reach age 62. I have been working part time and paying into Social Security as well as working my full-time position for approximately 30 years. What will the reduction to my Social Security be because I am a CSRS retiree?
A: Because you are receiving an annuity from a retirement system where you didn’t pay Social Security taxes, you’ll be subject to the windfall elimination provision. The WEP will reduce your Social Security benefit if you have fewer than 30 years of “substantial earnings” under Social Security. Substantial earnings are greater than those required to earn Social Security credits. To see what substantial earnings are by year and to estimate the reduction in a Social Security benefit, go to www.socialsecurity/pubs/10045.html.
