.: Member's Page

This goal of this page is to better communicate with our members. As the web site evolves, we plan to offer more resources and information. If there's something you'd like to see on this, or any other page, contact the webmaster at the link at the bottom of the page.

  

.: Social Security Benefits Reduced For Government Pensioners!

The Social Security benefits of government pensioners are calculated in a different, and much less favorable, method than those of private sector pensioners. Despite the fact that many government employees paid into Social Security prior to their government service, two sections of the Social Security Act, the “Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)” and the “Government Pension Offset (GPO)” mandate reductions in the earned Social Security benefits of government pensioners and their spouses. The WEP deals with the reduction made to the Social Security benefits of a government pensioner. The GPO applies to the reduction in Social Security benefits applied to the spouse of a government pensioner. Under these provisions, your Social Security benefits and your spouses Social Security benefits will be significantly reduced. The formulas used for these reductions, or “offsets” are complicated and require specific information as to your annual income for those years in which you paid into Social Security. The Social Security Administration provides a benefit reduction calculator program to assist in determining the amount your Social Security Benefits will be reduced.
There have been attempts to repeal these unjust penalties against government workers. In 2007, California Senator Dianne Feinstein introduced a bill in the Senate (S.206) and California Congressman Howard Berman proposed legislation in the House (H.R. 82). Both bills seem to have significant bi-partisan support, but as of this date have not been passed. The failure to pass the bill seems to be along party lines and based on an inability to agree on how to offset the costs.

UPDATE: On January 6, 2009 Representative Berman reintroduced in the House of Representatives his bill, which is now known as HR235 or the Social Security Fairness Act. On January 6, 2009 Senator Feinstein reintroduced in the Senate her bill, which is now known as S.484. Both bills call for the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.

UPDATE #2: These bills have been introduced in each session of Congress and, seemingly, more or less ignored. Check the boxes below for the current status of these bills.

.: Current Status of Bills

.: Trust Board Meeting Minutes

The Board of Trustees attempts to meet, at least, once a quarter, more often if needed. Below are the minutes from the most recent meeting(s). The minutes are in .pdf format so you'll need Adobe Reader to view them. In the unlikely event you don't have it, use the link below to download the free Adobe Reader software.

Board Meeting Minutes:

.: What Expenses Does The Trust Cover?

The IRS determines the expenses for which the Trust can reimburse. The simple answer is that the Trust covers the same expenses that can be deducted on your 1040 tax form. For a more specific answer, here are two publications that should answer any questions:

  •     View Keenan Healthcare Sample Expenses

    • .: Claim Forms Available Online

    Claim forms are available for download from this site. Use the link below to download the form. You'll need Adobe Reader to view and print the form.





    The link below will take you to the Adobe site for the free download of Adobe Reader.









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