I served the federal government for 34 years with the Dover AFB DE Contracting Officer supervisor. I also worked in the private sector separate from civil service, 10 years at The Rookery Golf Course as waitress and cook; that’s where I earned my 40 quarters for Social Security. I was under the old civil service pension plan with no Social Security out. But after I was federally retired I worked independently and got my 40 quarter hours.
Now I see people who didn’t work and sacrifice for their family extra jobs and overtime and they get what I deserve. This is not fair! When I contacted political figures they sent me a form letter. Most had no idea what I was talking about. We need help with this and I hope you can help us.
When I retired, I was surprised to learn my Social Security benefit would be $300 less per month than my colleagues and neighbors who had never worked for the federal government.
This is all because of the Windfall Elimination Provision under the Social Security law. This is unfair.
I worked my 40 quarters just like Social Security persons who worked their 40 quarters, and they get full wages and I don’t. l am retired and had some problems in the past with my husband’s business when it went into bankruptcy. We still have a house payment because we had to start over. I have no inheritance to count on. I have worked full time with three kids all my life and I deserve a break. I am not getting it.
Throughout my government career, I held myself to a high standard of fairness and equity. But now in retirement, I’m subject to a law that is anything but fair and equitable from my point of view. This provision unfairly reduces my Social Security benefits for no other reason than that I worked for the government.
Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-TX, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, would reform the WEP.
The Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act, H.R. 711, recognizes the work I’ve done and the contributions I’ve made, and would adjust my Social Security benefits accordingly. Plus it would do so without costing taxpayers a nickel. Support fairness and equity now.
Mrs. Nancy J. Crouch
Milton
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