Think Members of Congress don't pay into Social Security?

Think again.

            Chances are, some of you have heard this common misconception:  Members of Congress receive outrageous sums of money from the wallets of taxpayers like you.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  This ridiculous rumor has received greater attention with a recent string of e-mail hoaxes claiming my colleagues and I in Congress don't pay into Social Security.  Let me tell you the real facts regarding federal retirement benefits.

            First, let me be clear, all Members of Congress participate in Social Security.  Payroll (FICA) taxes are taken out of my paycheck just as they are out of yours - and that means I absolutely care about the future solvency of Social Security, just like you! 

            Just as any other federal employee and many of those who work in the private sector nowadays, Members of Congress are covered by a pension system.  Prior to 1984 all federal employees were covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), rather than Social Security - and federal employees were not eligible for Social Security benefits.  The CSRS was in existence prior to the creation of Social Security.

            Due to several issues, including public outcry about federal employees not contributing into Social Security, a new pension system was created called the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS).  Members of Congress who were already in Congress when Social Security coverage went into effect could either remain in the CSRS or change their coverage to FERS - and all those who've been elected since the change automatically are enrolled in FERS unless they waive coverage.  This is the same retirement system that covers any other federal employee, including my staff, a Forest Service Ranger, or a USDA inspector.

Federal employees' and Members of Congress' pensions are financed through a combination of employee and employer contributions - just like any other private or public pension.  Just as you may be, I am also subject to Social Security payroll taxes and other taxes and or penalties when early withdrawals are made on my pension.

            Please also note that Members of Congress do not keep their current pay once they retire or lose an election and do not immediately begin collecting any pension monies.

            Members of Congress are not eligible for a pension until they reach the age of 50, but only if they've completed 20 years of service.  Members are eligible at any age after completing 25 years of service or after they reach the age of 62.  Please also note that Member's of Congress have to serve at least 5 years to even receive a pension.

            The amount of a Congressperson's pension depends on the years of service and the average of the highest 3 years of his or her salary.  By law, the starting amount of a Member's retirement annuity may not exceed 80% of his or her final salary.

            The most recent numbers available show 413 retired Members of Congress were receiving federal pensions based fully or in part on their congressional service.  The average age of those retiring under CSRS was 75.5 and had at least 20 years of federal service.  Those who have retired under FERS had an average age of 68.3 years and 21.6 years of federal service.  Their average retirement annuity is $3,909 a month.

            I appreciate you allowing me to give you the facts and I hope this information is useful.  It upsets me when misinformation is spread regarding this issue - but I'm grateful to have the opportunity to respond.  Thanks!           

                                                                        Best Regards,

                                                                        Mark Green
                                                                        Member of Congress