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Would My Canadian Pension Be Subject To WEP And GPO?

I am a Canadian citizen and US permanent resident who has worked in the US for over 30 years in Education - which did not have FICA deductions. I am now drawing pension benefits from CalSTRS. I do have a few quarters credit in Social Security due to some part-time side jobs, but no where near enough to qualify for any Social Security benefits. However, I am eligible for for a small CPP benefit of approximately C$170 monthly due to my work history in Canada prior to moving to the US. If I apply to receive the CPP benefit, will it still be subject to WEP and GPO?

Hi. No. The Windfall Elimination (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) provisions are U.S. laws that only apply to U.S. Social Security benefits.

Also, if you have at least 6 quarters (QC) of U.S. Social Security coverage then it's possible that you might be eligible for a totalization benefit from the U.S. program based on your combined earnings credits from the U.S. and Canada. For more information about the totalization agreement between the U.S. and Canada, refer to the following Social Security publication: https://www.ssa.gov/international/Agreement_Pamphlets/canada.html.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Dec 3 2022 - 10:28pm
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