Who pays Social Security
Most PSRS members don't contribute to Social Security on PSRS-covered earnings; participation depends on the district and position, and members can't choose it. Members whose positions are covered pay two-thirds of the PSRS rate and get two-thirds benefits for those years. Handbook p. 98, PSRS Members and Social Security; PSRS Positions Covered by Social Security
WEP and GPO are repealed
The Social Security Fairness Act (signed January 5, 2025) repealed WEP and GPO; affected PSRS members' Social Security increased retroactive to January 2024 payments. It doesn't change PSRS contributions. Handbook p. 100, Frequently Asked Questions; psrs-peers.org, Social Security and Medicare
Railroad pensions
PSRS benefits are almost never affected by Social Security or railroad pensions, but railroad pensions are often reduced because of PSRS benefits. Handbook p. 100, Social Security and Railroad Benefits
Medicare
If hired before April 1986 and you haven't changed covered employers since, you don't pay Medicare tax on PSRS wages; hired or changed employers since then, Medicare tax is withheld. Handbook p. 98, Medicare Benefits for PSRS Members
For questions about your own Social Security or Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration. PSRS can't answer them.
What the handbook says
- Most PSRS members don't pay into Social Security on their PSRS pay. Whether you do depends on your district and position, not your choice.Handbook p. 98, PSRS Members and Social Security
- You may still get Social Security from other jobs or through a spouse. PSRS says to contact Social Security about your eligibility.Handbook p. 98, PSRS Members and Social Security
- The Social Security Fairness Act (January 5, 2025) repealed the WEP and GPO. PSRS says affected members' Social Security went up, retroactive to January 2024.Handbook p. 100, Frequently Asked Questions
- A limited number of members have PSRS service and Social Security credit for work at the state regional universities, the state colleges, the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Corrections. PSRS contributions and benefits for that work are two-thirds of the public-school values.Handbook p. 98, PSRS Positions Covered by Social Security
- If your position is covered by Social Security, you can't choose to pay the full PSRS rate instead of two-thirds. Your retirement eligibility, final average salary and service aren't affected.Handbook pp. 98, 100, PSRS Positions Covered by Social Security; Frequently Asked Questions
- When you pay Medicare tax, your employer matches it and you earn Medicare units, at most four a calendar year.Handbook p. 98, Medicare Benefits for PSRS Members
- Reduced Social Security benefits start at 62; full benefits depend on your birth year and begin no earlier than 65. Medicare starts at 65 for most people.Handbook p. 100, Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Do PSRS members pay into Social Security?
Most don't on their PSRS pay. It depends on your district and position; you can't choose.
Does WEP or GPO still cut my Social Security?
No. The Social Security Fairness Act, signed January 5, 2025, repealed both.
Can I pay the full PSRS rate if my position is covered by Social Security?
No. Members in Social Security-covered positions pay two-thirds of the PSRS rate, and the law doesn't let you choose the full rate. Those years count at two-thirds in the formula.
When can I get Social Security and Medicare?
Reduced Social Security starts at 62; full benefits depend on your birth year and start no earlier than 65. Medicare starts at 65 for most people.
Does Social Security reduce my PSRS benefit?
Almost never. PSRS says its benefits are almost never affected by Social Security or railroad pensions.
Source: PSRS Member Handbook, 2026-2027 (as of September 2026), pp. 47, 48, 98, 100; psrs-peers.org pages. Last reviewed .