Q & A
I am 52 and would like to retire at 55. At that point, I will have 35 years in CSRS. I also have 36 quarters in Social Security as I worked a part-time job in college and other points in my life. Will I receive Social Security benefits with less than 40 quarters, and if so at what level? Also, if I go back to work as a contractor after I retire from federal service and get my additional quarters, what would be the impact when the windfall elimination provision kicks in?
Answer: No, you can’t receive Social Security benefits with less than 40 credits. To find out how the windfall elimination provision would affect you if you were eligible for a Social Security benefit, first go to http://ssa.gov/pubs/ENS-05-10045.pdf. Then use the calculator at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/wep-chart.htm.
Source: FederalTimes.com – August 19, 2013