“As a result of the Missouri Congressional Delegation inquiry about recent issues relating to Social Security coverage for certain PSRS members, a Federal Task Force began meeting in December 2008 to research and resolve those issues.  Michael Grochowski, the Regional Social Security Commissioner, is chairing the task force.  The task force includes representatives from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”), the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and the Missouri Office of Administration (“OA”).  The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (“DESE”) and Public School Retirement System of Missouri (“PSRS”) also participated in task force meetings and research.   The task force has extensively researched this issue, and has thoroughly reviewed federal and state laws and regulations,  all of the school districts’ 218 agreements, and the position codes provided by DESE.   

The task force met with many of the Missouri educational associations on February 5, 2009 in the PSRS board room to provide preliminary information and to get feedback from the associations. 

During the meeting, Mr. Grochowski confirmed that  the application of Social Security coverage for certain PSRS members would not take effect until July 1, 2010. 

The educational associations,  PSRS, and its members had concerns about SSA’s policy regarding Social Security coverage for certain PSRS members.  At the February 5 meeting, Mr. Grochowski stressed the seriousness of the situation.  The task force addressed many of the concerns and outlined the changes in federal and state law over the last 40 years which have helped create the current situation.  Mr. Grochowski stated that the task force research was still in progress, and requested that attendees not release specific information until the final report is released to the Missouri Congressional Delegation.  Mr. Grochowski wanted to ensure that all of the questions and potential situations were reviewed and answered prior to release of the report.   Generally, however, it appears that fewer PSRS-positions would be required to contribute to Social Security than was originally thought.  Mr. Grochowski will be briefing the Missouri Congressional Delegation on work of the task force and PSRS hopes the briefing will be allowed to be posted on the Missouri State Social Security Administrator’s (“OA’s”) Web site and the PSRS Web site.”

We will continue to provide updated information to you as it becomes available.  Remember to check this Web site for the latest information.  You can also refer to the Office of Administration Web site for Section 218 issues, http://oa.mo.gov/acct/ssa.htm.