Q. I am 60, retired from USPS under CSRS. I was told I will receive my Social Security along with my postal pension at age 60. When I reach 62, I then will be dropped from this and can apply for Social Security directly. I have my 40 quarters in Social Security. Is this true?
A. Whoever told you that was mistaken. He may have thought you were covered by FERS. FERS retirees receive a special retirement supplement that approximates the amount of Social Security benefit they earned while FERS employees. As a CSRS retiree, you would be eligible for a Social Security benefit only beginning at age 62. Note: 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.
