Q. I retired in 2006. Now in 2018 have worked enough time to get a Social Security check. Can I apply for it without penalizing my U.S. Postal Service retirement annuity?
A. Applying for a Social Security benefit would have no affect on your annuity. However, since you were covered by CSRS, a retirement system where you didn’t pay Social Security taxes and have fewer than 30 years of substantial earnings under Social Security, your Social Security benefit will be subject to the windfall elimination provision. The WEP will reduce but not eliminate that benefit.
