I write about retirement policy from an actuary's perspective. The limit of 35 years in the averaging period, even though one might work considerably longer as many as 47 years, that is, from age 18 to 65 is not meant as a signal that 35 years of work are sufficient to have earned the full benefit rate; Social Security is meant to be accrued over ones entire working lifetime. These may include early retirement, delayed retirement credits, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), or other factors. The windfall elimination provision was introduced in 1983 as a benefits safeguard. 5 min read. [4], When the WEP applies, it is used in determining all benefits on the record, both for the primary beneficiary and any auxiliaries. 82) on Sept. 20, which would fully repeal the Windfall Elimination Program (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) from the Social Security program. Yes. Others believe that allowing a person to receive both a full government pension and Social Security survivor/dependent or earned benefits would constitute double dipping. Such a scenario should be treated no differently than receipt of a private pension or other source of income and Social Security benefit. My Social Security benefit is reduced because I collect a government pension. Such a non-covered pension might have been earned, for instance, by work for a state or local government agency that does not participate in FICA payroll-tax withholding. The Government Pension Offset (GPO), enacted in 1977, reduces Social Security spousal benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers . Of those penalized by GPO, 83% are women, many of whom have spent much of their lives raising their families and have worked outside the home for only a short period of time. The SSA uses a formula for computing the primary insurance amount (the "PIA," roughly speaking, is someone's Social Security benefit). Those who have spent most of their careers in non-SS-covered employment with a state or local government and a minimal amount of time in SS-covered employment will appear to SSA as lower-paid workers. But heres an interesting wrinkle to that proposal: it would help lower-income earners, by giving them more of the benefit of that initial 90% than they have at present. Too many people labor under the misconception that the receipt of a public pension based on work not covered under Social Security means that they will never be eligible for anything from Social Security,says Kurt Czarnowski, a Social Security expert with Czarnowski Consulting. The GPO cuts the benefits issued to retirees who receive both their own Social Security payments and a spouses government pension payments. AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays, 3% cash back on gas station and eligible drug store purchases, Savings on eye exams and eyewear at national retailers, Find out how much you will need to retire when and how you want, AARP Online Fitness powered by LIFT session, Customized workouts designed around your goals and schedule, SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS. high low wedding dresses with sleeves; genuine leather king james bible 15% of AIME above $6,721.