The GPO lowers an individual’s social security benefit, and in some cases eliminates it entirely, if an individual is a government retiree eligible for a pension based on their own government employment during which social security taxes were not withheld, and a spousal benefit based on their spouse’s years of service during which social security taxes were withheld.  When the GPO is applied, with few exceptions, the government employee’s social security benefit is reduced by an amount equal to two-thirds of the amount of their pension.

The WEP significantly lowers an individual’s social security benefit if they are a government retiree eligible to receive a pension based on their government service during which social security taxes were not withheld, and also qualify for social security benefits based on work they performed for a private employer who did withhold social security. 

Bipartisan legislation (HR 235 and S 484) has been introduced in both the House and Senate to repeal these unfair provisions.

We need all members, and their families and friends to contact their Senator and Congressperson to urge them to support this legislation.

Send the email provided, or personalize it with your own message.