Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Learn More
Published: 12/02/2021
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.
Bills in Congress
-
Support
HR 5723 Social Security 2100 Act: A Sacred Trust www.congress.gov
Introduced on 10/26/2021
A bill to protect our Social Security system and improve benefits for current and future generations.
-
Support
S 3071 Social Security 2100 Act: A Sacred Trust www.congress.gov
Introduced on 10/26/2021
A bill to protect our Social Security system and improve benefits for current and future generations.
-
Support
S 3070 Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 10/26/2021
A bill to improve the retirement security of American families by increasing Social Security benefits for current and future beneficiaries while making Social Security stronger for future generations.
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.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Learn More
Are you an affiliate?
Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Learn more about NEA-Retired
Now more than ever the commitment continues. Learn how NEA-Retired works to meet the needs of retired education employees (like Sam Evelyn Rock from the Chattanooga Hamilton County Retired Teachers Assn in Tennessee at right) and how to join.
