Q. I retired in 2003 under the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System and I have been receiving a retirement annuity since that time. I also have the 40 quarters needed for Social Security eligibility. Will I be eligible to draw Social Security (in addition to my federal annuity) when I reach the required age?
A. Yes, you will. However, your Social Security benefit will be reduced because of the windfall elimination provision. That’s because you have fewer that 30 years of substantial earnings under Social Security.