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How Social Security Affects ORP Retirement Benefits
ORP Participants who have accrued Social Security retirement benefits either through their own work record or as spousal benefits are subject to the Social Security Administration's Offsets. Participants must report their coverage in the Massachusetts ORP to the Social Security Administration (SSA) at the time that they apply for Social Security benefits.
Social Security Administration Offsets
Windfall Elimination Provision
This offset is applied to an ORP Participant when drawing Social Security benefits under their own work record.
Government Pension Offset
This offset is applied to an ORP Participant when drawing Social Security benefits under their spouse's work record.
Participants must request a Statement of their ORP participation from the Plan Administrator and submit the Statement to the SSA when they apply for SSA retirement benefits. The Plan Administrator prepares the information required by the SSA to implement their offsets (e.g., Termination Date; Provider; total account balance on termination date).