Ask Larry

Can I Potentially Meet the 30 Year Exemption To WEP If I Continue Working Past Age 70?

If I am subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, and am currently continuing to work and pay into Social Security, if I continue to work past 70, will that give me additional years to average in order to get close to the 30 or more years required to move closer past the offset? I note the chart shows that even though I am subject to the offset that these additional working years would increase my benefit payout.

Hi,

Yes, the WEP exemption that applies for people with at least 30 years of substantial covered earnings can be reached at any age. And, if you have between 20 and 30 years of substantial covered earnings, you could lessen the impact of WEP with each additional year of substantial earnings (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10045.pdf).

Note, however, that the 30 years of substantial earnings exemption only applies to WEP and not GPO. So, additional years of substantial earnings likely wouldn't help you if you receive Social Security spousal or widow(er)'s benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
May 29 2017 - 6:26am
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