UESF News

Will Your Social Security Be Cut up To 40 Percent? How Might the Social Security Offset Affect You? Ann Hunt, a 2003 retiree, is affected by WEP now. Ann paid into Social Security starting from the time she worked for the Stonestown Emporium at age 16, including 10 years in the SFUSD. She stopped teaching to raise her children, and when she returned, she could not re-enter Social Security. She worked for 18 more years in the SFUSD, checking her Social Security earnings statements regularly each year, but knew nothing about the WEP offset until she was ready to retire. "When I found out my Social Security would be cut by 40 percent, I was outraged." Now Ann is joining with other educators in the campaign to restore her pension and those of her colleagues who suffer under this unfair law.     Join the Campaign to Repeal the Social Security Offset Take the NEA Survey on the Offsets When teachers throughout California - and in 14 other states - retire, many are hit with the so-called Social Security offsets (WEP & GPO), those drastic cuts in the Social Security benefits they've earned. This cut can reach up to 40% or more of earned social security benefits. Second-career educators are hit the hardest, but the cut can affect any certificated member who has earned enough credits to receive Social Security benefits, including those who have held a part-time second job, those who regularly worked full-time summer employment, or those who had a business on the side. A rough estimate puts the number of UESF members affected at 30% or more. If you're already a victim - or will be - the time for action is now. Find out what's happening and what you can do. The first step is to review your latest Social Security statement. Although the majority of UESF members do not participate in Social Security through their employment in SFUSD, they do receive Social Security statements because they pay in to Medicare. If you have qualified or are close to qualifying for Social Security benefits, the offset almost certainly will affect you. The second step is to get involved. Go to www.ssfairness.com to sign up for the latest updates in the campaign to reform the system - including letter-writing campaigns, rallies, and direct lobbying of members of Congress. The third step is to let UESF know that you are ready to get involved. Email UESF Retired Division Chair Gerry Meister at gerrymeister@earthlink.net. Through its national affiliates, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, UESF participates in the campaign to overturn the offsets. Important Links: • www.ssfairness.com • Social SecruityNational Education Association • NEA Survey Return to UESF home page

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