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Social Security
I retired from Law Enforcement after 32 years with a pension from the County. I also had SSI credits from the military and work in the aerospace industry. After retiring, I worked 8 months with a 5 man PD in northwestern Colorado and reached the forty quarters required to collect Soc. Sec. when I turned 62.
So, every six months months or so, I received a benefits letter from SSI showing I would receive $589 monthly upon turning 62, or I could wait until I turned 65 and receive more. As an added bonus, I would receive $100 for my Viet Nam service! Not having much faith in the Federal Govt. I elected to go early.
So, in February, I turned 62 and filled out the app. on line looking forward to an extra $689 a month. In March, I recieved a letter from SSI asking me to come into the local SSI office with proof that I'm an American citizen and to discuss my "Benefits". Interestingly enough, I was the only English speaking person in the waiting area.
So, it's finally my turn at the window. I show the lady my drivers license, birth certificate, DD214 and am deemed to be an American citizen. I showed her the benefit letter showing I was "entitled" to $689 per month. She says, "oh, wait, you have a pension from the County. You fall under WEP." I ask, what is WEP? She says, "Windfall Elimination Provision". I asked what the hell is that? She said you already have a pension and don't "need" Social Security! I told her that I earned it. She said it doesn't matter, others who are less fortunate need the money more! You fall under WEP so we have to reduce your SSI accordingly. Your new "benefit" is $291. I said what about my Viet Nam sevice? She said that's included! I protested rather boisterously and asked to see a supervisor - who told me the same thing, and that I could file a written protest with the Social Security Administration.
So let me get this straight - I save up my money for 10 years (40 quarters) and go to the Mercedes dealership to buy my dream SL300. I give the guy my cash and he says, "Thank you for your money, here is your used Kia - you don't "need" a Mercedes!"
Today I received my first "benefit" check for $291.
So, every six months months or so, I received a benefits letter from SSI showing I would receive $589 monthly upon turning 62, or I could wait until I turned 65 and receive more. As an added bonus, I would receive $100 for my Viet Nam service! Not having much faith in the Federal Govt. I elected to go early.
So, in February, I turned 62 and filled out the app. on line looking forward to an extra $689 a month. In March, I recieved a letter from SSI asking me to come into the local SSI office with proof that I'm an American citizen and to discuss my "Benefits". Interestingly enough, I was the only English speaking person in the waiting area.
So, it's finally my turn at the window. I show the lady my drivers license, birth certificate, DD214 and am deemed to be an American citizen. I showed her the benefit letter showing I was "entitled" to $689 per month. She says, "oh, wait, you have a pension from the County. You fall under WEP." I ask, what is WEP? She says, "Windfall Elimination Provision". I asked what the hell is that? She said you already have a pension and don't "need" Social Security! I told her that I earned it. She said it doesn't matter, others who are less fortunate need the money more! You fall under WEP so we have to reduce your SSI accordingly. Your new "benefit" is $291. I said what about my Viet Nam sevice? She said that's included! I protested rather boisterously and asked to see a supervisor - who told me the same thing, and that I could file a written protest with the Social Security Administration.
So let me get this straight - I save up my money for 10 years (40 quarters) and go to the Mercedes dealership to buy my dream SL300. I give the guy my cash and he says, "Thank you for your money, here is your used Kia - you don't "need" a Mercedes!"
Today I received my first "benefit" check for $291.
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