Q. I worked for the federal government from 1966 to 1969 and from 1981 to 1985. I did not pay Social Security. I returned to work in 1988 and worked until 2010 and did pay Social Security. I was told by a girl at a Social Security office that I am not under the windfall elimination provision because I didn’t make enough money, yet another office tells me that because I worked for six years without paying SS, I am under the WEP. I am very confused.
Should my Social Security benefits be calculated under the WEP? If they are, do they include my earning for the six years I didn’t pay SS?
A. The windfall elimination provision applies to the Social Security benefit of anyone who receives an annuity — in whole or part — from a retirement system where he didn’t pay Social Security taxes. The WEP will reduce — but not eliminate — your Social Security benefit if you have fewer than 30 years of substantial earnings under Social Security.
