Time is running out to protect your earned benefits. Please contact your senators today and urge them to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision ("WEP")!
The Windfall Elimination Provision ("WEP") unfairly reduces Social Security benefits for millions of U.S. citizens, including Americans abroad who receive foreign pensions and many veterans of federal, state, and local government service. If you receive a pension from a job where you didn’t pay Social Security taxes, WEP slashes the retirement or disability benefits you’ve earned under the Social Security system.
Democrats Abroad calls on you to help push for repeal of this penalty.
All you need to do is call, email, AND message your two Senators in 3 easy steps! If you are short on time, do as many as you're comfortable or able to do. The more they hear from you, the better!
Get started: FIND BOTH YOUR SENATORS' CONTACT INFO
- Click here and search for your last US state of residence or your parents' last US state of residence if you have never lived in the US.
Step 1: CALL BOTH YOUR SENATORS AT THEIR DC OFFICE (area code 202)
- When the receptionist answers, read the following script:
Hi, my name is [name], I am a constituent living in [your country]. Can you ask Senator [your Senator's name] if they will vote yes on S. 597, the Social Security Fairness bill when it comes to the floor for a vote soon? With the backing of 62 cosponsors, this bipartisan initiative represents a powerful symbol of hope and justice for our pension system. S. 597 directly addresses the erosion of retirement security for those who have devoted their lives to public service, providing a path to rectify these long-standing challenges. [Feel free to add your personal story on how WEP has impacted you].
Tips
- Call during Washington D.C. office hours tomorrow (9am to 5pm ET).
- After three unsuccessful attempts to speak with a live person, then just leave a voicemail.
- Minimum credit (usually about $5) can get you connected through any Internet device to reduce costs if you cannot make an international call.
STEP 2: SEND BOTH YOUR SENATORS A MESSAGE VIA THEIR WEBSITE
- Click here and search for your last US state of residence or your parents' last US state of residence if you have never lived in the US.
- Navigate to your Senator's website and contact form - enter your US voting address in order to submit your message.
- Here's a template message that you can send:
Dear Senator [Senator's last name],
Hi, my name is [name], I am a constituent living in [your country]. Can you ask Senator [your Senator's name] if they will vote yes on S. 597, the Social Security Fairness bill when it comes to the floor for a vote soon? With the backing of 63 cosponsors, this bipartisan initiative represents a powerful symbol of hope and justice for our pension system. S. 597 directly addresses the erosion of retirement security for those who have devoted their lives to public service, providing a path to rectify these long-standing challenges.
[Feel free to add your personal story on how WEP has impacted you].
As your constituent, please vote yes when S. 597 comes to a floor vote.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
STEP 3: MESSAGE BOTH YOUR SENATORS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Find your rep on Facebook or Twitter and comment:
I am a constituent living in [your country]. Will you please vote for S. 597, the Social Security Fairness bill when it comes to a floor vote soon? Voting for this bill will demonstrate your commitment to supporting your constituents abroad!