Q. I retired as a FERS employee. I worked for the federal government for 32 years. The last 12 years, I switched to FERS and paid Social Security. I was under the impression that I would receive my full Social Security once I applied for it, without the windfall elimination provision. Is this correct?
A. No, it isn’t correct. Because you’ll be receiving a portion of your 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.
