Short answer: no Social Security for CalSTRS work. California public school educators who pay into CalSTRS don't pay into Social Security for that job, so they don't earn a Social Security benefit from it. You may still get Social Security from other work, and since a 2025 federal law those checks are no longer cut by WEP or GPO. Your CalSTRS benefit isn't reduced either way. Handbook p. 8, Social Security, CalSTRS and you
Part-time and temporary work
Your district must offer Social Security to its part-time or temporary employees if it doesn't offer an alternative eligible retirement plan. Handbook p. 37, Social Security
If you get a CalSTRS benefit and also qualify for Social Security from other work, including your spouse's, your Social Security benefit won't be based on your earnings from CalSTRS-covered (non-Social Security) work. Handbook p. 37, Social Security
Medicare
If you started CalSTRS-covered work before April 1, 1986, you weren't at first subject to the Medicare tax. If you or your spouse paid the Medicare tax for 10 or more years, you most likely qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A. Handbook p. 50, Medicare Premium Payment Program Who pays Part A and Part B premiums, and what CalSTRS can deduct, is on the retiree health page.
Who decides
Social Security is a federal program. Neither CalSTRS nor the State of California controls who qualifies or how Social Security benefits are calculated; the handbook points you to ssa.gov or 800-772-1213. Handbook p. 8, Social Security, CalSTRS and you; p. 37 CalSTRS suggests saving what you'd have paid into Social Security in a 403(b) or 457(b); how those and your pension are taxed is on the taxes page.
What the handbook says
- CalSTRS members don't pay into Social Security for CalSTRS-covered work and won't get Social Security for it. You may still qualify through other work or a spouse.p. 8, Social Security, CalSTRS and you
- The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), law on January 5, 2025, eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset for Social Security benefits payable after December 2023.p. 8, Social Security, CalSTRS and you
- For Social Security benefits paid before January 2024, WEP and GPO could have reduced or eliminated a Social Security check.p. 43, Planning for retirement
- Your CalSTRS benefit isn't affected by this legislation, and it isn't reduced if you get Social Security.p. 43, Planning for retirement
- CalSTRS suggests saving the 6.2% you would have paid into Social Security in a 403(b) or 457(b).p. 8, Social Security, CalSTRS and you
- CalPERS members do pay into Social Security; check with Social Security (800-772-1213) before moving between the systems.p. 28, Social Security
Questions
Do California teachers get Social Security?
Not for CalSTRS-covered work: CalSTRS members don't pay into Social Security for it. You may still qualify through other jobs, or through a spouse.
Does WEP or GPO still reduce my Social Security?
The Social Security Fairness Act, law since Jan. 5, 2025, ended WEP and GPO for Social Security benefits payable after December 2023. Your CalSTRS benefit isn't affected either way.
Will my CalSTRS pension go down if I get Social Security?
No. The handbook says your CalSTRS retirement benefit isn't reduced if you receive Social Security.
I work part time. Do I get Social Security?
Your district must offer Social Security to part-time or temporary employees if it doesn't offer another eligible retirement plan. Check your pay stub or ask your district.
Can I get premium-free Medicare Part A?
Maybe. You pay the Medicare tax if you were hired after April 1986 or elected Medicare through your employer. If you or your spouse paid it for 10 or more years, you most likely qualify.
For your own Social Security record, contact the Social Security Administration. CalSTRS doesn't decide Social Security benefits.
Source: CalSTRS Member Handbook, 2026 edition (Jan. 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027), pp. 8, 28, 37, 43, 50; cover insert. Last reviewed .