I’m a government worker, how am I impacted?
If your employer didn’t withhold Social Security taxes, your benefits (retirement and disability) will be reduced under the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). This reduction may not occur if you paid enough taxes from other non-pension jobs in the prior 30 years.
I’m a widow/widower who was also a government worker, how am I impacted:
Similarly to the above, if your employer didn’t withhold Social Security taxes, and you are a widow/widower, your spousal/survivor benefits can be reduced under the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
I’m a retired teacher with a pension, how am I impacted?
Teachers’ Retirement Systems of various states are generally considered a government employer not covered by Social Security. This means that if either of the above situations also apply to you, your TRS pension will likely reduce your Social Security retirement or disability benefits under the WEP and/or GPO.
Please speak to a Social Security attorney or a tax advisor to more fully understand the various impacts and complications of these various pension situations. They are often misunderstood and overlooked by individuals and professionals as well.
