Quick Quiz on 
Social Security and Public Employees

Question 1: My school district does not participate in the Social Security system, but my husband has always paid into Social Security through his job in the private sector. I'm relieved to know that if I outlive him, I will have my full survivor benefit to fall back on…right?

Question 2: I've planned carefully for my retirement when I've finished teaching. My school district does not participate in the Social Security system. But I worked a second job at nights and during the summers so that I could earn my full benefit. I'm comfortable knowing that my retirement will be supplemented by the Social Security payments that I've earned…right?

Question 3: I worked in the private sector for 15 years before becoming a teacher. My district does not participate in the Social Security system. I'm glad that I've earned enough credits paying into Social Security from my previous jobs so that I will receive the full benefit when I retire from teaching…right?

That is incorrect. Because of the Government Pension Offset, she will lose most of her survivor benefit just because her employer does not participate in the Social Security system.

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That is correct. Because of the Government Pension Offset, she will lose most of her survivor benefit just because her employer does not participate in the Social Security system.

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That is incorrect. Because of the Windfall Elimination Provision, his Social Security benefit from his second job will be cut because his primary employer does not participate in the Social Security system.

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That is correct. Because of the Windfall Elimination Provision, his Social Security benefit from his second job will be cut because his primary employer does not participate in the Social Security system.

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That is incorrect. Because of the Windfall Elimination Provision, the benefit she earned will be cut just because she retires from a job that does not participate in Social Security. That is correct. Because of the Windfall Elimination Provision, the benefit she earned will be cut just because she retires from a job that does not participate in Social Security.

That is correct. Because of the Windfall Elimination Provision, the benefit she earned will be cut just because she retires from a job that does not participate in Social Security. That is correct. Because of the Windfall Elimination Provision, the benefit she earned will be cut just because she retires from a job that does not participate in Social Security.

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