I only have 13 credits in so I'm not getting anything. But I guess I will have time. I have to retire from the police pension at age 56, so I have a lot of years to medicare age, so I guess whatever job I work will contribute credits? Definitely getting out of law enforcement.

I thought I explained it in simple terms but others after me have explained it better. The point is that if I made a certain amount of money in the private sector and someone else makes the same amount of money as I with the same amount of years, I shouldn't get 40% less in social security benefits just because I worked at a government job for over 30 years. And no, I was not a teacher except that after I retired I did teach chess to elementary school children after school for several years. I was considered a private contractor and paid SS and medicare taxes. At any rate, I think a wrong has been righted and I am glad of it.

Chowser: Keep in mind that you'll need those 40 credits to qualify for fully paid Medicare Part A at age 65. Otherwise the cost can be over $500 / month. You can also qualify based on the contributions of a spouse or ex=spouse, if you were married for at least 10 years. I don't think SS payroll contributions for our new cops started until about 1986 or so. As a result, I was in the same situation as you, with only about a dozen credits from a couple pre-police jobs when I retired at age 56, after completing the maximum 8 years in DROP. Fortunately, I was able to qualify based on the contributions of my ex-wife. Otherwise, I would've needed to get a civilian job in order to earn the required minimum credits.

quote:

Originally posted by Chowser:
I only have 13 credits in so I'm not getting anything. But I guess I will have time. I have to retire from the police pension at age 56, so I have a lot of years to medicare age, so I guess whatever job I work will contribute credits? Definitely getting out of law enforcement.

There are also plenty of LE and LE-adjacent jobs out there that contribute to SS, if you find you still have the bug at age 56. With 13 credits already, you're only looking at a bit over 6 years of additional work to qualify, and 9 years to do it before 65.

But also remember that part time works qualifies as well, as long as you're paying FICA on it. 1 credit per $1,730 earned, up to 4 credits per year. Even self-employed work counts, if you start a small side hustle. It's not that hard to earn $7k a year on the side or part time... Only a bit over $500/month. So you could get that knocked out now on the side while still working your non-contributing main job. Having mostly part time/side work will mean a smaller SS check (since your average earnings will be low), but it'll still get you full Medicare eligibility.

This post is for SS beneficiaries who are ALREADY collecting SSA benefits and have been affected by WEP or GPO.

As far as WEP, there is no need for anybody to do anything. It's just a matter of some reprogramming. No need to call the 800 number to request a recalculation. No need to file an application for it. I saw something in a employee members only SSA site. A programmer at headquarters said you are probably looking at February or March to see an adjustment. The first adjustment check will be retroactive to the effective date of the legislation. Then you will get your new amount monthly. Checks are often sent out before the notices. So the first check will not be your new amount. That will include the retro. The next check will be the new amount. A letter will be sent explaining it all, but as I said, often the check comes before the letter.

AS far as spouses benefits, if you havent filed because you wouldnt get anything due to GPO, you DO need to file an application. Either file on line or call the 800 number to make an appointment.