Hi Larry
In regard to the WEP.
If you take SS at 71 continue working after age 71
in order to increase the years of substantial earnings
can you do that? At 71 the years of substantial earnings are
only 25 years. If I want to collect ss while I continue to work can I get to the 30 years of substantial earnings? ie do the years increase or does the clock stop ticking at 71 when I take my ss?

Hi,

Substantial earnings years, or years of coverage (YOC) for WEP purposes can be earned at any age and regardless of whether or not you are already receiving benefits. So, if you have 25 YOCs now, each additional YOC that you earn in the future until you reach 30 YOCs should reduce the effect of WEP on your retirement benefit rate (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10045.pdf).

Best, Jerry