President Biden Signs Social Security Fairness Act into Law

Washington D.C. – In a landmark move for retired public servants across the nation, the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law, ending decades of reduced benefits for millions of retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, and other government employees. This historic legislation, enacted on January 5, 2025, repeals the contentious Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), two provisions that have long been criticized for unfairly penalizing public service retirees.

For nearly four decades, the WEP and GPO have significantly diminished the Social Security benefits of individuals who also receive a public pension from non-Social Security covered employment. The WEP reduced the earned Social Security benefits of workers who also had pensions from state or local governments, while the GPO reduced the spousal and survivor benefits of those with government pensions. These provisions have impacted an estimated 3 million Americans, creating financial hardship for many who dedicated their careers to public service.

The Social Security Fairness Act addresses this long-standing issue by eliminating these controversial provisions. As a result, eligible retirees will now receive their full, unreduced Social Security benefits, a change that is expected to provide a significant financial boost to millions of households.

What Does This Mean for You?

The repeal of the WEP and GPO is retroactive to January 2024. This means that affected retirees will not only see an increase in their future monthly benefits but have also received a lump-sum payment to compensate for the reduced benefits they received throughout 2024. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has already processed these retroactive payments, with the final payments being sent out in July 2025, five months ahead of schedule.

The average monthly benefit increase for affected retirees is estimated to be around $360, with some individuals seeing an increase of up to $613 per month. For surviving spouses, the increase could be even more substantial, ranging from $700 to $1,190 a month. These adjustments will provide much-needed financial relief and a more secure retirement for those who have been impacted by the previous legislation.

Next Steps and How to Get More Information

For most individuals already receiving Social Security benefits, the adjustments have been made automatically. The SSA has sent out notices to all affected beneficiaries detailing the changes to their monthly payments and the amount of their retroactive payment. If you believe you are eligible and have not received a notice or seen an adjustment to your benefits, it is recommended that you contact the Social Security Administration directly.

For those who have not yet applied for Social Security benefits because they were discouraged by the WEP or GPO, now is the time to do so. You can apply for retirement and spousal benefits online through the SSA website. Survivor benefit applications must be submitted by phone. The SSA has a dedicated webpage with detailed information and frequently asked questions about the Social Security Fairness Act.

This legislation marks a significant victory for public service workers and their advocates, who have been fighting for this change for over 40 years. By repealing the WEP and GPO, the Social Security Fairness Act ensures that all Americans who contribute to Social Security will receive the benefits they have rightfully earned, honoring their service and providing them with the financial security they deserve in retirement.