Number: 98-35
Title: Social Security: The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)
Authors: Laura Haltzel, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: The windfall elimination provision (WEP) reduces the Social Security benefits of workers who also have pension benefits from employment not covered by Social Security. Its purpose is to remove an advantage these workers would otherwise receive because of Social Security's benefit formula that favors workers with smaller amounts of Social Security-covered career earnings. Opponents contend that the provision is basically imprecise and often unfair. In the 110th Congress, five bills (H.R. 82, H.R. 726, H.R. 2772, S. 206, and S. 1647) have been introduced to modify or repeal the WEP.
Pages: 5
Date: January 14, 2008