Why is my UK pension affecting my Social Security benefits?

Full question:

Hello ... I was born in London UK and only worked there a couple of years after I left school. I have lived in Phoenix Arizona for 31 years, I am 62 and have just filed for my Social Security, which will total approx $750 mth.I stupidly declared my piddly UK pension of $360 A QUARTER.Social Security Admin in AZ want to now deduct $120 a month from my piddly $750 monthly SS payment, citing it is the WINDFALL LAW .... THIS IS TOO RIDICULOUS.I only worked in UK in 1966, '67 and '68 and now in 2011 they want to penalize me in my retirement here ..... I AM SOOOO EXTREMELY MAD ABOUT THIS .... your thoughts please.

• Category: Social Security
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Arizona

Answer:

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) affects individuals who receive a pension from work where they did not pay Social Security taxes and who also qualify for Social Security benefits from other work. The WEP may apply if:

• You reached age sixty-two after 1985; or
• You became disabled after 1985; and
• You first became eligible for a monthly pension based on non-Social Security taxed work after 1985, even if you are still working.

The WEP does not apply to survivor benefits and has certain exceptions, including if:

• You are a federal worker hired after December 31, 1983;
• You worked for a nonprofit organization that did not withhold Social Security taxes but later began withholding;
• Your only pension is from railroad employment;
• Your non-Social Security taxed work was only before 1957; or
• You have thirty or more years of substantial earnings under Social Security.

Whether your pension affects your Social Security benefits depends on specific details, such as the dates your pension covers. For more assistance, you can contact the Social Security Administration at .