Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)

If you have contributed to Social Security and are eligible to receive a Social Security benefit, federal law most likely will lower your Social Security benefit because you also are receiving a pension. The federal Windfall Elimination Provision provides the formula for how the Social Security benefit is reduced with the federal intent of preventing someone from receiving a “windfall” of two retirement benefits. Taking your TRS estimate of benefits to the Social Security Office can help them give you a more accurate estimate of your Social Security benefit.

Government Pension Offset (GPO)

If your spouse has a Social Security benefit, the federal Government Pension Offset law more than likely means you, because of your TRS pension, won’t be to draw a spousal benefit from your spouse’s Social Security. 

Besides the links above that contain federal documents, more information can be obtained through the Social Security Administration website.