GPO, WEP Repeal Measures Introduced

Two other measures introduced in Congress would totally repeal both the government pension offset and another provision of Social Security law also primarily applying to CSRS annuitants, the windfall elimination provision. The WEP reduces the benefits of an individual who had fewer than 30 years of “substantial” Social Security earnings (currently $16,125). The primary effect is on CSRS annuitants who earned enough Social Security credits to qualify for a benefit under that system but often at low salary rates, such as before starting their federal career, moonlighting while a CSRS-covered employee or taking a part-time job after retirement from the government. The maximum reduction, for those with 20 or fewer years of “substantial” Social Security service, is about $300 a month. The repeal bills were offered by Rep. Howard McKeon, R-Calif. (HR-594) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. (S-349).