Q. If I continue to work at a Social Security-covered job past the age of 62, will the windfall elimination provision deduction be reduced?
I retired from the Postal Service as a CSRS employee in 2004. Prior to my Postal Service time, I had 12 years of substantial earnings in the private sector. Since my retirement in 2004, I have worked for 10 years in a job that pays Social Security deductions. So, as of now, at the age of 62, I have 22 years of substantial earnings.
I have contacted the Social Security Administration and been told to use the WEP detailed calculator to determine what my benefit would be if I made a Social Security claim. However, that did not answer my question. I realize that the longer I work, the greater the Social Security benefit will be. But, as I work longer, will the WEP deduction be reduced, too? Or is it permanently set at age 62?
A. The WEP is imposed at age 62, when you first become eligible for a Social Security benefit, whether you apply for that benefit or not. If you continue to work after age 62, you will earn additional benefits, which will be added on to the original base amount.