How does my pension affect my Social Security?

Massachusetts public employees nor their employer pays into Social Security. For our member units, you and your employer pay into the Bristol County Retirement System, a Government Pension Plan under IRS code 401(a). You may qualify for Social Security benefits through other employment or through your spouse’s employment. If you are eligible for SSA benefits, you may be subject to provisions that offset or reduce your SSA benefits because of your Bristol County Retirement pension. Please note that your Bristol County Retirement Allowance will not be offset by Social Security. The two provisions that may affect your Social Security benefits are the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or the Government Pension Offset (GPO). For more information about the WEP or GPO, contact the Social Security Administration or click on links under Useful Links on our website.