WEP Calculator
Calculate how the Windfall Elimination Provision affects your Social Security benefits if you have a pension from non-covered employment.
Your Earnings History
This is your full Social Security benefit at full retirement age (find on ssa.gov)
Non-Covered Pension
Pension from government, railroad, foreign, or other non-Social Security covered work
GPO (Spousal/Survivor Benefits)
WEP Reduction
Total Financial Impact
Impact of Additional Years of Work
| +Years | Total | WEP % | Monthly Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| +1 | 16 yrs | 100% | +$0 |
| +2 | 17 yrs | 100% | +$0 |
| +3 | 18 yrs | 100% | +$0 |
| +4 | 19 yrs | 100% | +$0 |
| +5 | 20 yrs | 100% | +$0 |
| +6 | 21 yrs | 95% | +$30 |
| +7 | 22 yrs | 90% | +$60 |
| +8 | 23 yrs | 85% | +$90 |
Working 15 more years with substantial earnings would eliminate WEP entirely.
Protecting Your Retirement from WEP
Government retirees affected by WEP should build additional retirement income sources. A Gold IRA provides tax-advantaged growth independent of Social Security.
With reduced Social Security benefits, protecting your purchasing power becomes critical. Gold historically maintains value during inflationary periods.
Unlike Social Security, a Gold IRA can be passed to heirs. Build a tangible asset portfolio that benefits your family for generations.
Government retirees affected by WEP often diversify retirement income with Gold IRAs. Our specialists can help you understand your options.
Understanding the Windfall Elimination Provision
Who WEP Affects
WEP applies if you receive a pension from work where you didn't pay Social Security taxes (federal CSRS, some state/local governments, foreign employers).
30 Years Eliminates WEP
If you have 30 or more years of 'substantial earnings' (about $31,275+ in 2024) where you paid Social Security taxes, WEP doesn't apply to you.
Maximum Reduction
The 2026 WEP maximum reduction is approximately $598/month. It cannot exceed 50% of your non-covered pension amount.
GPO Is Different
Government Pension Offset (GPO) affects spousal and survivor benefits separately, reducing them by 2/3 of your government pension.
How the WEP Calculation Works
The WEP Formula
Social Security normally replaces 90% of your first $1,174 (2024) of average monthly earnings. WEP reduces this first "bend point" from 90% down to as low as 40%, depending on your years of substantial earnings.
Standard Formula: 90% of first $1,174 = $1,057
WEP Formula: 40% of first $1,174 = $470
Maximum Reduction: $587 (2024)
Years of Substantial Earnings Scale
| Years | WEP Percentage | First Bend Point Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 20 or fewer | 100% (Full WEP) | 40% |
| 21 | 95% | 45% |
| 22 | 90% | 50% |
| ... | ... | ... |
| 29 | 55% | 85% |
| 30+ | 0% (No WEP) | 90% (Normal) |
The 50% Pension Guarantee
Your WEP reduction can never be more than 50% of your non-covered pension. If you receive a $800/month government pension, your WEP reduction is capped at $400 - even if the formula would otherwise produce a larger reduction.
Government Pension Offset (GPO)
GPO is separate from WEP. While WEP reduces your own Social Security benefit, GPO reduces spousal or survivor benefits you might receive based on a spouse's Social Security record.
GPO Formula:
Spousal Benefit - (Government Pension x 2/3) = Adjusted Benefit
Example: GPO Elimination
- Government pension: $2,400/month
- Spousal benefit: $1,200/month
- GPO reduction: $2,400 x 2/3 = $1,600
- Adjusted benefit: $0 (completely eliminated)
Example: Partial GPO
- Government pension: $900/month
- Spousal benefit: $1,200/month
- GPO reduction: $900 x 2/3 = $600
- Adjusted benefit: $600/month
Who Is Affected by WEP?
Commonly Affected
- Federal employees hired before 1984 (CSRS)
- Some state and local government employees
- Teachers in certain states (15 states don't participate in SS)
- Police officers and firefighters in some jurisdictions
- People with foreign pensions
- Railroad employees (pre-1984)
Not Affected by WEP
- Federal employees under FERS (hired after 1983)
- State/local employees who paid into Social Security
- Anyone with 30+ years of substantial SS earnings
- Most private sector workers
- Self-employed who paid SE tax
WEP Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)?▼
WEP is a formula that reduces Social Security benefits for people who receive pensions from work not covered by Social Security but also worked in Social Security-covered employment. It prevents 'double-dipping' from both systems.
How much does WEP reduce my Social Security?▼
The maximum WEP reduction in 2026 is approximately $598/month. With 30+ years of substantial earnings, WEP doesn't apply. With 20 or fewer years, you get the full reduction. Between 21-29 years, the reduction phases out by 5% per year.
What is the difference between WEP and GPO?▼
WEP reduces your own Social Security retirement benefit. GPO (Government Pension Offset) reduces spousal or survivor Social Security benefits by 2/3 of your government pension. They are separate provisions.
What counts as substantial earnings for WEP?▼
For 2024, substantial earnings means earning at least $31,275 in Social Security-covered employment. The threshold adjusts annually. Check your Social Security statement for your earnings history.
Can I avoid WEP by working more years?▼
Yes! WEP is gradually reduced with 21-29 years of substantial earnings and completely eliminated with 30+ years. Each year above 20 reduces the WEP percentage by 5%.
Will WEP be repealed?▼
There have been ongoing legislative efforts to repeal or reform WEP/GPO. The Social Security Fairness Act has been introduced multiple times. Check current legislation status, but don't count on repeal when planning.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on current WEP and GPO rules. Actual Social Security calculations are complex and depend on your complete earnings history. For an exact calculation, contact the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213. This tool is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for financial planning decisions.
WEP Cut Your Social Security? You Still Have Options.
After 25+ years of public service, WEP can slash your Social Security by $600/month. A Gold IRA builds retirement income they can't reduce - independent of government formulas.