What is the Windfall Elimination Provision?

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) is a specific component of Social Security policy that is designed to adjust the benefits of individuals who receive pensions from employment not covered by Social Security. This includes various state and local government jobs where Social Security taxes were not deducted from paychecks.

When someone has worked in both Social Security-covered employment (where they have paid into the system) and non-covered employment (where they may receive a pension), the WEP can reduce their Social Security benefits. The rationale behind this provision is to account for the fact that those individuals may not have contributed as much to the Social Security system relative to those who have consistently paid into it throughout their careers. Therefore, the WEP helps ensure that benefits align more closely with contributions made to the Social Security system, thereby maintaining the integrity of the program.

In summary, the Windfall Elimination Provision reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who have a pension from work not covered by Social Security, making option B the correct answer.