Ask Larry

When Will I Be Able To Receive Benefits?

retired civil service, worked side job to earn my credits, SSn
rep informed me i received too much monthly, to get any ssn monies at all
when divorce is final, i will only receive half of my monthly retirement, will i then
be able to receive monies i put in to earn my quarters?

Hi,

If you have at least 40 quarters of Social Security coverage (https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/QC.html) you should be able to receive at least some Social Security retirement benefits when you qualify (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0301.html). Your benefit rate may be lower than normal if you receive a civil service pension due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), but WEP could only partially reduce the rate payable, not eliminate it entirely.

Our maximization software is programmed to handle cases involving WEP, so you may want to strongly consider using it to determine your best strategy for claiming Social Security benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jan 25 2018 - 7:13am
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