Q. I am currently a CSRS Offset employee. Between private sector employment and Offset employment, I will have over 30 years of paying into Social Security. By the time I retire, I will have 30 years of combined CSRS (12 years) and CSRS Offset (18 years) employment. Is there some formula that weighs pure CSRS vs Offset employment. Will the WEP still negatively affect my Social Security payments?
A. There is no simple formula for this. You’ll need to calculate your benefits under each system to compare them. The WEP will affect your Social Security benefit unless you have 30 years of Substantial Earnings under Social Security’s definition.