Resources & FAQ
Everything you need to understand and claim your Social Security benefits.
⚡ Quick Summary
- WEP/GPO repealed January 6, 2025 — Texas teachers may now get full Social Security
- 40 credits = your own benefits — but you may qualify through a spouse with fewer
- Only 6 months retroactive — contact SSA now to avoid losing money
- Call 1-800-772-1213 — mention WEP/GPO repeal and Texas TRS
How to Check Your Social Security Credits
To qualify for your own Social Security retirement benefit, you need at least 40 work credits (approximately 10 years of SS-covered employment).
Option 1: Online (Fastest)
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
- Create an account or sign in
- View your Social Security Statement
- Look for "Your Estimated Benefits" and total credits earned
Option 2: By Phone
- Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM local time
- Ask for: "A copy of my Social Security Statement showing total credits earned"
- They'll mail you your full record (earnings, credits, and projected benefits)
Contact Social Security
What to Have Ready
- Your Social Security number
- Date and place of birth
- Marriage certificate(s) and divorce decrees (if applicable)
- Death certificate(s) of spouse or ex-spouse (if applicable)
- Your most recent Social Security Statement
- Information about your TRS pension
Official Resources for Texas Educators
These are the official sources for information about Social Security and TRS benefits. Use these to verify information and get personalized guidance.
🏛️ Social Security Administration
- my Social Security Account — Check your credits and benefit estimates
- SSA Educator Resources — Information specifically for educators
- Survivor Benefits — Detailed survivor benefit information
- Find Your Local SSA Office — Schedule in-person appointments
🎓 Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Social Security and TRS — How TRS interacts with Social Security
- TRS Benefits Handbook — Complete guide to TRS benefits
- TRS-Care Eligibility — Health benefits for retirees
📚 Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA)
- Districts Participating in SS — List of Texas districts that DO pay into Social Security
- Social Security Survival Guide — Comprehensive guide for Texas educators
💰 Financial Literacy
- Texas State Securities Board — Investment resources for teachers
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the WEP/GPO and why did it affect me?
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reduced Social Security retirement benefits for people who also received a pension from work not covered by Social Security (like TRS).
The Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduced Social Security spousal or survivor benefits by two-thirds of your government pension amount.
As of January 6, 2025, these provisions have been repealed under the Social Security Fairness Act, meaning you may now be eligible for full Social Security benefits that were previously reduced or eliminated.
Do I need 40 credits to receive any Social Security benefit?
You need 40 credits to qualify for benefits based on your own work record. However, you may still qualify for spousal or survivor benefits based on a spouse's or ex-spouse's record, even if you have fewer than 40 credits yourself.
Can I receive benefits from an ex-spouse?
Yes, if:
- Your marriage lasted at least 10 years
- You are currently unmarried (or remarried after age 60)
- You are 62 or older
- Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security benefits
If your ex-spouse is deceased, you may qualify for survivor benefits (up to 100%) instead of divorced spouse benefits (up to 50%).
Does remarriage affect my benefits?
It depends on the type of benefit and when you remarried:
- Divorced spouse benefits: You must be currently unmarried to receive them (unless you remarried after 60)
- Survivor benefits: Remarriage before age 60 (50 if disabled) ends benefits until that marriage ends. Remarriage after 60 does not affect survivor benefits.
- Child-in-care benefits: Remarriage at any age ends these benefits until the marriage ends.
Can I receive more than one benefit at a time?
No. Social Security pays you the highest single benefit you qualify for. Benefits do not "stack" or combine. However, you may switch to a different benefit if a higher one becomes available later (for example, when a spouse passes away).
How far back can Social Security pay me?
Generally, Social Security can only pay up to 6 months of retroactive benefits. This is why it's important to contact them as soon as possible—every month you wait could mean losing benefits you're entitled to.
What if my deceased spouse died before earning 40 credits?
If your spouse died before age 52, they may have qualified with fewer credits. The younger a person is when they die, the fewer credits they need. Contact Social Security to verify—don't assume they weren't eligible.
Do I need Medicare Part B for TRS-Care?
Starting January 1, 2026, TRS-Care participants who are eligible for Medicare must enroll in and pay for Medicare Part B to remain in a TRS-Care health plan.
If you're approaching 65 or already Medicare-eligible, make sure you're enrolled in Medicare Part B to maintain your TRS-Care health coverage. Contact TRS at 1-888-237-6762 for more information.
Does my Texas school district participate in Social Security?
Most Texas school districts do NOT participate in Social Security—teachers pay into TRS instead. However, some districts DO participate in Social Security for all or some employees.
Districts that participate include Austin ISD, San Antonio ISD, and several others. If your district participated in Social Security, you may have earned credits through your teaching work.
View the full list of Texas districts that participate in Social Security →
Legal Disclaimer
We are not affiliated with the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), or any government agency.
This website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. We've done our best to ensure accuracy in accordance with laws and regulations in effect as of January 1, 2026, but we make no representation that this website will provide 100% accurate information in every situation.
We do not collect, store, or transmit any personal information. All questionnaire data is processed locally in your browser and is not saved anywhere.
The Social Security Administration is the final authority on all benefit eligibility and amounts. Always verify information directly with SSA before making financial decisions.
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