Ask Larry

Am I Correct That At Age 70 There Will Be No Reduction To My Benefit Because Of WEP?

Hi Larry,
My wife is 68 and I am 64. When she turns 70 she will collect SS and I plan to collect a spousal benefit. Her benefit will be reduced because of WEP ( Canadian Pension) and I understand that my spousal benefit will also be reduced proportionally. Am I correct in assuming that at age 70, when I collect my own SS, there will be no reduction to my benefit because of WEP?

Hi,

As long as you don't receive a pension based on your work that was exempt from Social Security taxes, your own Social Security retirement benefits won't be affected by WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) regardless of when you start drawing them. Your wife's Canadian pension won't have any bearing on your own Social Security retirement benefit rate.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jan 11 2018 - 5:42pm
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