This article was originally published on June 15, 2018
As of December 2015, there were 1.7 million social security beneficiaries impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). The calculated restriction on benefit amounts affects retirees who receive a pension for work not covered by social security, such as federal employees under the old CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System). Basically, because they didn’t pay into social security during the years of labor that generated the pension plan, any social security income triggered by another job is cut to a significantly lower number. Without getting too technical, normal social security payouts include roughly $770 (90% of the first $856 dollars of someone’s “Average Indexed Monthly Earnings”, 2016). The WEP subtracts 40% from the 90% used in the usual formula, meaning the $770 mentioned above would be reduced to $428 (after subtracting about $342). The statement of benefits received from the Social Security Administration will not indicate this possible reduction in a participant’s estimated payment, so the WEP has a tendency to catch some people off-guard. FERS employees, those who have 30 or more years of substantial earnings that did pay into the Federal program, and others under some more obscure exceptions are unharmed by the WEP. While Congress proposed a bill in 2015 (HR 711 ) that would’ve eliminated the WEP, the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) raised concerns that postponed the legislation indefinitely.
A last item to consider in regards to social security benefits is the earnings test. For Feds specifically, it is important for FERS workers who earn the Special Retirement Supplement (SRS) because a similar rule applies there as well. Essentially, someone who takes either the SRS, or takes social security prior to their full retirement age, cannot earn a certain amount ($17,040 in 2018) and collect their full payment. For every 2 dollars earned over the limit, 1 dollar is slashed. Note that pension income and investment income do not count toward the earnings test- it strictly based on earned income. Also of significance, the lost amounts are returned to the worker through a higher monthly payment after reaching full retirement age, but this is not a lump sum. The refunded money is distributed proportionally over several years, so the beneficiary would have to live long enough to recoup the full amount.
Until Next Time,
**Written by Benjamin Derge, Financial Planner. The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Benjamin Derge and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Links are being provided for information purposes only. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.
Social Security for Feds