Benefit Increases

Divorce/DRO
Information

In Retirement

Legislation

Meetings and
Appointment
Scheduler

PERACare

PERAMedic

Retiree
Report

Receiving Social Security and a PERA Benefit

A PERA retiree who receives a Social Security benefit in addition to a PERA benefit will be subject to a reduction in his or her Social Security benefit—the PERA benefit will not be reduced.

There are two types of Social Security benefits:

The type of Social Security benefit received by a person who is also receiving a PERA benefit determines the formula used to calculate the reduction. An offset formula is used on a spouse's benefit, and the windfall elimination formula is used on an earned benefit.

Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)

As explained on Social Security's Web site, before 1983, Social Security computed benefits for those who worked in jobs not covered by Social Security as long-term, low-wage workers. As a result, these people received a higher percentage of a Social Security benefit in addition to their other retirement benefit from a pension fund like PERA. To eliminate this advantage, Congress passed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). The WEP formula reduces the Social Security benefit of a PERA retiree who is also receiving a PERA retirement benefit. In 2007, the maximum monthly reduction is the lesser of $340.00 or one-half of your PERA monthly benefit. For more information, view Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision online fact sheet.

Government Pension Offset (GPO)

A Social Security benefit paid to a spouse or widow is considered a "dependent's" benefit and was established in the 1930s to compensate spouses who stayed home to raise a family and who were financially dependent on the working spouse. Today, it has become more common for both spouses to work, each earning their own Social Security or other retirement benefit from a pension fund like PERA. Under Social Security, the law has always required that a spouse or widow's benefit be offset dollar for dollar by the amount of each spouse's retirement benefit. For a PERA retiree who receives a spouse's or widow's benefit from Social Security, the offset formula reduces the Social Security benefit by two-thirds of the dollar amount of the PERA retirement benefit. In some cases, the offset will entirely eliminate a Social Security benefit. For more information, view Social Security's Government Pension Offset online fact sheet.

If an account is withdrawn before the member is eligible for a PERA benefit, the windfall and offset reductions still apply because the member is receiving some of the "employer contributions" through the 50 percent or 100 percent matching amount on contributions and interest. Members should always contact Social Security regarding their eligibility for benefits and any provisions that may affect their benefit amount.

Detailed information about these provisions is available from the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213 and requesting pamphlets #05-10007, "Government Pension Offset," and #05-10045, "Windfall Elimination Provision."

View, print, or order a PERA & Social Security brochure.

Several Colorado PERA employers contribute to Colorado PERA and also pay the FICA tax that enables employees to qualify for a Social Security benefit. The best source of information about employers that pay the FICA tax is the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Web site.

About PERA Account Access Info Active Member Info Ask Meredith Employer Info Media Room
Retiree/Benefit Recipient Info Tools/Forms/Pubs Contact Customer Service
Help Search Contact Webmaster