Windfall elimination provision

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Q. I retired from civil service in 1990, started drawing my Social Security in 1996 and have received it every month since. I don’t understand, however, why the offset is deducted from my benefits that are based on my own earnings. What I receive is not a spouse or widows benefit. I am confused, and have tried several times in the last 21 years to get an explanation and always got the same reply that I was subject to the offset. I appreciate any help you can give.

A. Because you were covered by CSRS, your Social Security benefit was subject to the windfall elimination provision. The WEP reduces the Social Security benefit of anyone receiving an annuity from a retirement system where he didn’t pay Social Security taxes and has fewer that 30 years of substantial earnings under Social Security.

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Reg Jones was head of retirement and insurance policy at the Office of Personnel Management. Email your retirement-related questions to fedexperts@federaltimes.com.

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