Ask Larry

How Can I Secure My U.S. Social Security So It Doesn't Get Reduced?

As a dual national through marriage for 2/3 of my life and working overseas and living In Europe, what must I do to secure my US social security so it does not get reduced?

Hi. Being a dual national wouldn't adversely affect your U.S. Social Security benefits, but if you collect a pension based on your work in a foreign country then your U.S. Social Security retirement or disability benefits could be lowered due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). If you have at least 30 years of substantial U.S. Social Security covered earnings, then you would be exempt from any WEP reduction to your U.S. benefits. The annual amounts of earnings that are considered as 'substantial' for purposes of the WEP provision, as well as some other less common WEP exceptions, are listed in the following Social Security publication: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10045.pdf.

There isn't nearly enough information in your question for me to be able to give you any specific advice. However, our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) is programmed to handle cases involving WEP, so you may want to strongly consider using the software to fully analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
May 9 2022 - 12:32pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.