The News:
The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025, eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The individuals most affected are:
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- Schoolteachers
- Firefighters
- Police officers
Old Rules:
Before the Social Security Fairness Act, the WEP reduced some individual’s Social Security benefits when:
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- An individual was entitled to a public pension that was not subject to FICA taxes (non-covered pension);
- Also had other jobs that were not entitled to public pension;
- Paid FICA taxes on the earnings, and qualified for Social Security.
The GPO affected Spousal benefits such that 2/3 of the amount of the pension received would offset the spousal benefit.
New Rules
Elimination of the WEP means that individuals receiving pensions will be eligible to receive their full Social Security benefits as well.
Elimination of GPO will allow individuals receiving pensions to also be eligible for full Social Security spousal benefits.
What to do:
The Social Security Administration is still evaluating how to implement the Act and will provide information as soon as it’s available. In the meantime:
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- Individuals that previously filed for Social Security benefits that are partially or completely offset should verify that the Social Security Administration has your current mailing address and direct deposit information if it has recently changed.
- Individuals that are receiving a public pension and have not previously filed for Social Security benefits should go online to apply or schedule an appointment.
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