Re(1): Social Security Fairness Act as reported by the FOP IP: 24.26.80.230 Posted on July 1, 2012 at 03:58:52 PM by jerry wotherspoon
For those unaware of the WEP program. It went into effect in January 1986, impacting everyone that retired after that date. It's a complicated issue, and can be reviewed on the Social Security website: ( http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/wep-chart.htm ) cut and paste within the brackets to link to the website.
I feel, and still do, this penalty imposed, should never have occurred. The FOP has been monitoring the repeal of the WEP program for many years. It appears that instead of repealing it in its entirety it's getting a modification. As you can see in the above comment, even the modification is being stalled.
Just so everyone is aware the WEP program, it only effects recent retirees (post 1986) and "if" it's repealed, I feel it will end up like "all" government programs and it will not be retroactive. We will not be refunded the penalty money held back.
Just so recent retirees and soon to retire Pension Members understand. The $1000 to $1500 per month Social Security check you anticipate receiving will be reduced as a result of pre-fire/police work. It would be nice not to be penalized, because I worked those pre and post police years and deserve my full benefit, just like anyone else that contributed to Social Security. The WEP program or a variation of it, also effects some Teachers and Government employees. It is not a version of Double-Dipping, read the SS procedures. It's a penalty for working.