See more links below....
A Word About Social Security Benefits
Exemptions from Social Security Offsets
Some MTA members may be exempt from the Social Security offsets. If you meet
the requirements outlined below, The Social Security Administration will ask
you to verify this information. Verification can be obtained from the Massachusetts
Teachers’ Retirement System at http://mass.gov/mtrs or at 617.679.6877
or 413.784.1711.
? Windfall Elimination Provision: If you have 40 quarters under the Social Security system (in other words, you are eligible to receive Social Security benefits), then Social Security will use a “modified formula” to calculate your pension unless:
? you had 20 years of creditable service under the MTRS before January 1, 1986 or
? you were age 55 and had at least 10 years of creditable service before January 1, 1986 or
? you will have at least 30 years of “substantial earnings” under the Social Security system. For further information on “substantial earnings,” contact your local Social Security Administration office.
If you do not meet any of these requirements, you will receive a reduced
Social Security pension.
? Government Pension Offset: If you expect to collect a spousal or widow’s benefit under Social Security, these benefits may be reduced by two-thirds of the amount of your MTRS retirement allowance. You will be exempt from this offset if you meet all the requirements for Social Security spousal benefits in effect in 1977 and:
? you had 20 years of creditable service under the MTRS before December 1, 1982 or
? you were age 55 and had 10 years of creditable service before December 1, 1982 or
? you were age 55 and had 20 years of creditable service before July 1, 1983 and you received half support from your spouse.
In all cases, male retirees of the MTRS must have received at least half support
from their wives to apply for spousal benefits.
If you have 30 or more years of “substantial “ earning in a job
where you paid Social Security taxes, you will be eligible to receive 90% of
your social security benefits. You should request SSA Publication No. 05-10045
for more information concerning substantial earning.
If you are expecting to receive any Social Security benefit – either as a result of your own credit or your spouse’s – you should contact the closest Social Security office and discuss the impact of your public pension on your possible Social Security benefits. Visit www.ssa.gov for more information.
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MTA members can also speak with one of MTA’s pre retired consultants to discuss their pension benefits. A complete listing of the schedule for MTA’s pre-retired consultants is contained in each issue of MTA Today. Additional information can be obtained at www.massteacher.org
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http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10007.html Government Pension Offset Info
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10045.html Windfall Elimination Provision Info (list of necessary earnings, etc.)
The next 19 or so pages were hand outs given at the october 26 meeting. They are jpeg but rather large. A slow internet connection means a long time downloading, be warned!
Page 1 • What are the Government Pension Offsets and Windfall Elimination Provisions?
Page 2 • Real Stories
Page 3 • Help us spread the word
Page 4 • Receive the latest news sign up sheet
Page 5 - Sheet 1, Sheet 2 • What are the Government Pension Offsets and Windfall Elimination Provisions and examples there of.
Page 6 • Talking points
Page 7 • States not covered by Social Security
Page 8 • History of Social Security, Government Pension Offsets and Windfall Elimination Provisions.
Page 9 - Sheet 1, Sheet 2 • Quiz and answers
Page 10 - Sheet 1, Sheet 2 • Writing your legislators and samples
Page 11 • Contact Info
Page 12 - Sheet 1, Sheet 2 • Working the media and examples
Page 13 - Sheet 1, Sheet 2 • Meeting with legislators
Page 14 • Ten Golden rules of Lobbying