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Issue Explainer

Retirement Security

Educators in some states are denied Social Security benefits they’ve earned. NEA is pushing to end this injustice by enacting federal legislation.
NEA-Retired Members at NEA's Annual Meeting Gerald Lillard
Published: June 17, 2024

More than 2.8 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—or eliminates—the Social Security spousal or survivor benefits of people who also get a pension based on federal, state, or local government employment NOT covered by Social Security.

Help ensure that educators get the Social Security benefits they’ve earned. Ask Congress to fully repeal both the GPO and WEP. 

Letters & Testimony

NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.

Bills in Congress

Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools

Helpful Resources

Calculator

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.
NEA-Retired members attend a meeting

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.

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Sam Evelyn Morgan Rock

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.
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Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.