Collecting Social Security and a Pension at the Same Time

Yes, you can collect both Social Security and a pension, but your Social Security payment may be reduced

You can receive both a pension and Social Security benefits in retirement. However, if your pension comes from work where you did not pay Social Security taxes — typically government jobs — a rule called the Government Pension Offset will reduce your Social Security spousal or survivor benefits. If you earned a pension from work where you did pay Social Security taxes, your benefits are not reduced by the pension itself, though your total income will be higher.

The reduction depends on which benefit you are claiming and where your pension came from. Understanding the difference between these two scenarios matters because it changes how much money you actually receive each month.

Key Takeaways

The Government Pension Offset reduces spousal and survivor Social Security benefits by two-thirds of your non-covered pension amount if your pension came from government work where you did not pay Social Security taxes.
If your pension came from a job where you paid Social Security taxes, your own Social Security benefit is not reduced, though you will receive both payments.
The Government Pension Offset does not affect your own Social Security retirement benefit based on your own work record, only spousal and survivor benefits.
You must report your pension to Social Security when you apply for benefits so they can determine whether the offset applies to your case.

How the Government Pension Offset works

The Government Pension Offset applies when you receive a pension from government employment where you did not pay into Social Security. This includes many federal, state, and local government jobs, as well as some railroad positions. If you are claiming spousal benefits (based on your spouse's work record) or survivor benefits (as a widow, widower, or dependent), Social Security will reduce that benefit by two-thirds of your pension amount.

For example, if your government pension is $900 per month, two-thirds of that is $600. Social Security will subtract $600 from your spousal or survivor benefit. If your spousal benefit would have been $500, the offset eliminates it entirely because $500 is less than $600. If your spousal benefit would have been $1,000, it becomes $400 after the offset.

This rule does not reduce your own retirement benefit based on your own work record, even if you have a non-covered pension. It only affects benefits you claim as a spouse or survivor.

When your pension does not trigger a reduction

If your pension came from a job where you paid Social Security taxes throughout your employment, the Government Pension Offset does not apply. You can collect your full Social Security benefit alongside your full pension with no reduction. Social Security considers you to have a "covered" pension in this case.

Many private-sector pensions fall into this category, as do some government jobs that participate in Social Security. If you are unsure whether your employer paid Social Security taxes on your behalf, you can check your Social Security statement online or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask.

Even without the offset, your total retirement income will be the sum of both payments. There is no limit to how much you can receive from combining a pension and Social Security.

The Windfall Elimination Provision and your own benefit

A separate rule called the Windfall Elimination Provision can reduce your own Social Security retirement benefit if you have a non-covered pension. This rule applies to your personal retirement benefit, not to spousal or survivor benefits. It affects how Social Security calculates your benefit amount, making it smaller than it would be if you had no pension.

The Windfall Elimination Provision applies only if you were born after 1954 and you receive a pension from work where you did not pay Social Security taxes. If you were born in 1954 or earlier, you may be exempt from this rule. The reduction is capped at 50 percent of your pension amount or half of your Social Security benefit, whichever is smaller.

This is different from the Government Pension Offset. The Windfall Elimination Provision affects your own benefit; the Government Pension Offset affects spousal and survivor benefits. You could be subject to one, both, or neither, depending on your work history and which benefits you are claiming.

Reporting your pension when you apply for Social Security

When you apply for Social Security benefits, you must tell Social Security about any pension you receive. Social Security will ask you for details about the pension, including the employer, the dates you worked there, and whether that employer withheld Social Security taxes from your pay. You can find this information on your pension statement or by contacting your pension provider directly.

If you do not report your pension, Social Security may calculate your benefit incorrectly and pay you more than you are may have access to to. You would then owe the overpayment back. It is easier and simpler to report it upfront so your benefit is correct from the start.

You can apply for Social Security online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Have your pension information ready when you apply.

Timing: when to claim Social Security with a pension

You can claim Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly benefit will be permanently reduced compared to waiting until your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year). If you wait until age 70, your benefit increases by 8 percent per year. This timing decision is the same whether or not you have a pension.

Having a pension does not change when you become may be able to access for Social Security or how the timing rules work. However, if the Government Pension Offset or Windfall Elimination Provision will reduce your Social Security, you may want to discuss the timing with a financial advisor or Social Security representative to understand how your total income will look at different claiming ages.

You do not have to claim your pension and Social Security at the same time. You can start your pension at one age and delay Social Security to a later age if that makes sense for your situation.

How to learn about the offset will apply to you

The easiest way to find out whether the Government Pension Offset or Windfall Elimination Provision will affect your benefits is to contact Social Security directly. You can call 1-800-772-1213 and speak with a representative who can review your work history and pension details. They can tell you whether an offset applies and estimate how much your benefit will be reduced.

You can also create an account on ssa.gov and view your Social Security statement online. Your statement shows your estimated benefits, though it may not reflect the offset until you actually apply. If you have a non-covered pension, the statement may include a note about the Windfall Elimination Provision.

Social Security offices are also open for in-person visits. If you prefer to discuss this face-to-face, you can find your local office on ssa.gov and make an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I collect a military pension and Social Security at the same time?

Yes. Military pensions are generally not subject to the Government Pension Offset or Windfall Elimination Provision because military members pay into Social Security. You can collect both your full military pension and your full Social Security benefit with no reduction.

What if I worked for the government but also have a work record where I paid Social Security taxes?

Social Security will calculate your benefit based on your entire work history, including both covered and non-covered employment. The Windfall Elimination Provision may still apply to reduce your benefit, but the calculation is more complex. Contact Social Security to discuss your specific situation.

Does my spouse's pension affect my Social Security benefits?

No. The Government Pension Offset applies only to your own pension, not your spouse's. If your spouse has a non-covered pension, it does not reduce your Social Security spousal benefit. However, your spouse's own Social Security benefit may be reduced by their pension.

Can I appeal if I think the offset was calculated wrong?

Yes. If you believe Social Security made an error in calculating the Government Pension Offset or Windfall Elimination Provision, you can request a reconsideration. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to file a written request explaining why you think the calculation is incorrect.

What happens if my pension increases after I start collecting Social Security?

If your pension increases, Social Security will not automatically recalculate your benefit. However, if the increase changes whether you are subject to the Government Pension Offset or Windfall Elimination Provision, you should contact Social Security to report the change. They can determine whether your benefit needs to be adjusted.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.