Published: December 2, 2021
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org
More than 2.5 million people dedicated to public service, including many educators, have their Social Security benefits reduced—or lose them entirely—due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
- The WEP reduces the Social Security benefits of people who work in jobs covered by Social Security and jobs NOT covered by Social Security over the course of their careers—for example, educators compelled to take part-time or summer jobs to make ends meet.
- The GPO reduces the Social Security spousal or survivor benefits of people who get a government pension (federal, state or local) but did NOT pay Social Security taxes themselves.
Help ensure that educators get the Social Security benefits they’ve earned. Ask Congress to fully repeal both the GPO and WEP.
Helpful Resources
WEP Calculator
If you are expecting to receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security, it may reduce the amount of Social Security benefits we can pay you.
GPO Calculator
The Government Pension Offset, or GPO, affects spouses, widows, and widowers with pensions from a federal, state, or local government job. It reduces their Social Security benefits in some cases.
Talking Points
These bullet points break down GPO and WEP and the bills that would repeal them.
