What the sources say
- Teacher members contribute to their MainePERS pension instead of Social Security. Positions that don't meet the definition of teacher must be covered by Social Security, a PLD plan or another qualifying plan. Handbook pp. 2-3, Membership; Exceptions
- In early 2025 the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Contact the Social Security Administration (800-772-1213) about your Social Security benefits. Handbook p. 24, Social Security; After You Retire (2025) p. 2
What they don't say
MainePERS's teacher publications don't estimate Social Security benefits or explain how other work you did (or a spouse's record) affects yours. Ask the Social Security Administration about your own record.
Social Security and Maine's pension deduction
Maine's deduction for pension income is reduced by any Social Security you receive. Taxes on your pension MainePERS Pension Income Deduction page
From the sources
- Maine teachers in MainePERS contribute to their pension instead of Social Security.Handbook p. 2, Membership
- The Social Security Fairness Act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset in early 2025. For your own Social Security questions, call SSA at 800-772-1213.Handbook p. 24, Social Security
- A 2025 law (PL 2025, Ch. 270, LD 1638, effective Sept. 24, 2025) ended the offset of MainePERS disability retirement benefits by Social Security benefits for the same condition, as of Jan. 1, 2024. Benefits that had been offset are repaid with cost-of-living adjustments and 6.5% interest.Legislative Update (July 2025), PDF p. 3, An Act Regarding Disability Benefits
- When choosing a payment option, MainePERS suggests weighing what part your pension will play next to other income such as Social Security, savings, a 401(k), a Roth IRA, investments and deferred compensation.Choosing a Benefit Payment Option (3/25) p. 1
- For questions about Social Security or Medicare benefits, MainePERS sends you to your local Social Security Administration office; for continuing health coverage, to your employer's human resources office or your insurer.Choosing a Benefit Payment Option (3/25) p. 1, Other (Non-MainePERS) Retirement Considerations
- Maine's pension income deduction is based on the maximum annual Social Security benefit for someone retiring that year at full retirement age, reduced by any Social Security or railroad retirement benefits you receive.MainePERSpective Fall 2025 p. 2, Recent Maine Law Change to Pension Income Tax Deduction
Questions
Do Maine teachers pay into Social Security?
MainePERS's handbook says teacher members contribute to their MainePERS pension instead of Social Security.
What happened to WEP and GPO?
In early 2025 the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Contact the Social Security Administration (800-772-1213) about your Social Security benefits.
Who can tell me about my Social Security benefit?
The Social Security Administration. MainePERS's handbook gives its number: 800-772-1213.
Source: MainePERS Benefits for Teachers: Teacher Member Handbook, 2026, pp. 2-3, 24. Also: After You Retire (2025); MainePERS Pension Income Deduction page; Legislative Update (July 2025); Choosing a Benefit Payment Option (3/25); MainePERSpective Fall 2025; 36 M.R.S. § 5122. Last reviewed .