Navigating Social Security: Avoiding Mistakes and Maximizing Benefits

Many pension-eligible workers, including public employees, are unaware of the complex Social Security rules that can reduce their benefits. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) are two rules that affect workers who receive pensions from jobs where they did not pay into Social Security. These rules often come as a surprise to retirees, leading to financial difficulties and adjustments in their standard of living. Congress is considering the Social Security Fairness Act, which aims to eliminate both the WEP and GPO. In the meantime, affected workers must navigate the complicated rules and may face benefit overpayments due to incorrect or incomplete information. Experts suggest reviewing Social Security statements regularly and tracking personal earnings and pension benefit information to ensure accuracy.