Caught between OPERS pension and 35 SS credits - worth working for 5 more credits with WEP reduction?

Yes, it's definitely worth working for those 5 additional credits! Even with the WEP reduction, you'll still receive SOMETHING from SS rather than nothing at all. In 2025, you only need to earn $1,730 per quarter to get a credit, so that's just $8,650 total to earn those 5 credits. Even if your monthly benefit ends up being small ($200-300), that's still money you earned and deserve. The WEP reduction can't take away all your benefit - there's a maximum reduction of $558 in 2025, and given your limited SS work history, your reduction would likely be much less.

I was in almost the exact same boat! Retired from state government (Pennsylvania) with 30 years, had 37 SS credits from early jobs. I went ahead and worked part-time at my local hardware store for a little over a year to get those last 3 credits. Even with WEP, I now get $227/month from Social Security. Definitely worth it in my situation. One thing to consider - the WEP reduction is less severe if you have 20+ years of "substantial earnings" under Social Security. Since your SS work was limited, you'll probably see the full reduction, but still worth getting something rather than nothing.

the wep is such a SCAM!!! i worked 40 years total - 20 in private sector and 20 as a teacher. they cut my SS by almost HALF!! its completely unfair that we get punished for working multiple careers. the government just doesnt want to pay us what we EARNED and DESERVE!!! you should still get the credits but just know the system is RIGGED against us govt pensioners!!!

I think u should def get the extra 5 credits. Its only $1730 per quarter in 2025 to earn a credit so thats not that much. u could probably do some easy part time work and knock it out in a year. even a small ss check is better than nothing right? plus once u qualify for ss u also get medicare at 65 which is worth alot actually.

I was trying to get through to Social Security for weeks about a similar WEP situation (different pension system though). Kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Eventually I used this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at SSA in about 20 minutes. They connected me directly to an agent who actually specialized in WEP calculations! Worth checking out their site at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

One important aspect to consider: If you're married, having those 40 credits might also qualify your spouse for spousal benefits (up to 50% of your full retirement amount) and survivor benefits (up to 100% of your benefit) if they don't have a higher benefit on their own record. Even with the WEP reduction, this could be significant for your spouse. Also, if you have minor children or disabled adult children, they might qualify for benefits on your record too once you have 40 credits. There are more advantages beyond just your own benefit amount.

Quick clarification since I see some confusion in this thread - WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) and GPO (Government Pension Offset) are different. WEP affects your OWN SS benefits when you have a pension from non-covered work. GPO affects SPOUSAL or SURVIVOR benefits when you have a government pension. Make sure you're looking at the right provision for your situation.

Since your Social Security earnings were from the 1970s/1980s, remember that getting those 5 additional credits now won't significantly increase your benefit amount. SS benefits are based on your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. Working just enough to get the 5 credits won't add much to your calculation unless you earn significantly more than in those early years. Still, qualifying for even a small benefit is generally worth it, especially considering Medicare eligibility. If you decide to pursue this, remember that in 2025 you can earn all 4 credits for the year by making $6,920 total ($1,730 per credit).

My neighbor went through something like this. He worked just enough to get his 40 credits, then found out his monthly benefit was only going to be like $120 after WEP. He said even though it wasn't much, it was still free money he would have otherwise left on the table. Plus now his wife gets spousal benefits too I think. You already have 35 credits so might as well get the last 5!