Penalties for Public Service

Educators share how unfair laws are threatening their retirement security — and possibly yours.

Two little-known laws, the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision, are affecting the retirement benefits of educators. NEA members, along with Dennis Van Roekel, explain how damaging these laws are and why we need to work to repeal them.



Want to Learn More?

Lynn Brooks Hunt's Social Security benefit went from $1,700 a month to just $188--just because she's a teacher. Read her story in this month's This Active Life magazine and learn more about the unfair federal laws that are chipping away at some educators' retirement.

What You Can Do

It's easy.

1. Go to NEA’s electronic petition to Congress. If you are or will be personally affected by GPO or WEP, add your story to the pre-written text. If your elected officials have taken a position for repeal, thank them. It’s important that they know it matters to you.

2. Send a letter to your member of Congress or call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121, ask for your Representative and Senators by name, and tell them to repeal GPO and WEP.

Got a little more time?

Write a letter to your local newspaper explaining why GPO and WEP should go.