I had my 40 quarters of Social Security over 30 years ago. I have since worked for a municipality and am receiving a pension from work that was not covered by Social Security.

Q. I had my 40 quarters of Social Security over 30 years ago. I have since worked for a municipality and am receiving a pension from work that was not covered by Social Security. I find I cannot collect any Social Security because of my public employment.

A. That is not correct, and whoever told you that has misinformed you. No one who is fully insured for Social Security retirement benefits (i.e. has 40 or more quarters of Social Security covered earnings) is denied a Social Security retirement benefit because of the Social Security Act’s Windfall Elimination Provision. The WEP reduces a monthly check, but does not eliminate it.