It works this way in a number of other states. Ohio teachers (perhaps only some, I'm not sure) give up their social security in order to collect from the state teacher's pension fund, regardless of whatever they've already paid into social security. Seems a little crazy, although until very recently the pension fund appeared to be doing quite well. (they just suspended a cost of living increase for the first time ever, which is not the worst thing in the world, but I certainly am curious as to why their fund's performance has been so mediocre as of late)