Ask Larry

Will My SS Benefits Be Reduced By WEP If I Get Part Of My Husband's Pension

My husband and I are getting divorced. He will receive a teacher's pension (non contributing to SS) when he retires, and as part of our settlement, I will also receive part of the pension. I have my own SS benefits, as I have worked in traditional jobs and paid into SS. He also worked for about 10 years in the corporate world and paid into SS. I understand that his SS benefits will be reduced because of WEP. My question is - will MY SS benefits that I earned on my own be subject to WEP also, because I will be receiving part of his pension when he retires?

Hi,

No, your Social Security benefits won't be reduced due to any proceeds that you receive from your husband's pension plan. The only pensions based on earnings that weren't subject to Social Security taxes that can cause a reduction to a person's Social Security benefit rate are pensions based on their own earnings.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jul 2 2020 - 4:46pm
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.