I will be 66 yrs old in June of this year. I am a teachers asst. I already get Social Security from my EX husband. He is retired already. I receive 1025.00 a month. This is mine and his together. Being that I will retire through TRS will I be able to receive even a partial amount when I retire?. How does that work. I can't live on my retirement alone. Have been with DVISD for 28 yrs. Thanks, Vickie

Hi Vickie,

I RETIRED FROM A LAW ENFORCEMENT JOB IN 2011 COLLECTING A PENSION WHICH INCREASES 3% COMPOUNDED EACH YEAR. WE DID NOT PAY SOCIAL SECURITY AT THIS JOB BUT I DID PAY SS AND EARNED ALL MY QUARTERS FROM WORKING PRIOR TO MY LAW ENFORCEMENT JOB AND PART TIME JOBS WHILE WORKING AS A COP. I WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE FEDERAL PENALTIES FOR THIS PENSION

I am currently on Social Security Disability receiving about $1,600 after Medical. I work for the state of Vermont for 13 years and have a state pension which I could really use. I am 59 years old and I was told that they would take $638 from my disability benefit to receive my $900 pension. I thought that certain types of Pensions were exempt from this WEP law. Is this true? If so what types of Pensions from state government to not reduce your social security benefit?

My wife worked as a teacher in Ohio from 1978 through 1986 and again from 1990 through 1994. She participated in the STRS (State Teachers Retirement System) defined benefit plan, she became vested in 19864(5 years of service). In 2016 when she was 61 years old she was eligible to retire with a reduced benefit or wait until she was 65 years old and retire with a full benefit ($900 per month) - she opted to take a lump sum distribution instead . Will this lump sum distribution affect her social security benefits or her spousal social security benefits ?

Has the 2018 amount been set for "substantial earnings" re: the WEP provision for years of credit? (How much does one need to earn in 2018 for it to count as a year of credit to avoid a WEP-based reduction in Social Security benefit?)

Hi,

Yes, the 2018 substantial earnings amount for the years of coverage exception to WEP is $23,850.

Best, Jerry

Hi there,
I am currently teaching in California. I have earned social security in the past. I am aware of the Windfall factor. My question is if I retire in California and move to Arizona could I receive my full security benefit that I am entitled to? In addition could I receive my husband's SSI also?

Hi,

Last June someone asked a question about this: What Is The Effect On Social Security If You Participate In 401(a), 403(b) Or 457 Plans?
Category:
Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Jun 12 2017 - 7:06am

It did not seem you actually answered their question, though. They said clearly that they were going to OPT OUT of their government pension and keep their social security. That would mean that their 457/401k/403b was supplemental as far as the employer is concerned.

Subject: Early non-covered pension lump sum payout and its windfall elimination provision impact.
Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO

As a teacher, my wife worked in CA from '84-'91. Her non-covered CalSTRS pension vested at five years, thus after '86. A current projection of her SS covered years after that employment would be 22 years. My understanding is the windfall elimination provision will be applicable here. (And GPO if I pre-decease her.)

I am 65 and started receiving social security in the US when I turned 62 based on my own employment history in the US.
I am eligible to receive UK National Pension from work history in the UK prior to moving to the States. I have not yet applied for it.
Will receipt of the UK National Pension affect by SS benefit currently being received?
Thank you for your help.

Hi,

Does the present tax bill include the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Program?

Hi,

I don't know. I haven't heard anything like that mentioned, nor have I read the legislation. The Senate and House have each passed different bills, so the actual details of the bill that may eventually be passed into law remain to be determined.

Best, Jerry