Q. I’m a current CSRS employee with 34 years’ federal service and also have 15 years of “substantial earnings” for Social Security. My plan is to continue to work until age 70 under the CSRS retirement system. At age 66, can I apply and draw full Social Security retirement benefits? Is it correct that the WEP reduction will take effect only once the individual retires from federal service? I read that WEP does not affect an individual who continues to work and is drawing Social Security benefits.
A. Yes, you can begin receiving your unreduced Social Security benefit when you reach your full retirement age and are still working. And, yes, you won’t be subject to the windfall elimination provision until you retire.
