Social Security Fairness Act

2025

The Social Security Fairness Act of 2025 (SSFA) introduces critical updates to the benefits system for public-sector workers by repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Below, we address some frequent questions to help you understand what this law means for you. Please note, this reflects information as it stands now, and as the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides updates, we'll update these as appropriate. 

1. Overview
  • What is the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)?

    WEP reduced Social Security benefits for individuals who worked in jobs not covered by Social Security (like state or local government) for part or all their careers. 

  • What is Government Pension Offset (GPO)?

    GPO reduced the spousal or survivor Social Security benefits of a married person if their spouse receives a government pension not covered by Social Security.

2. Eligibility and benefit adjustments
  • Am I eligible for increased benefits under the new law?

    If you are receiving a public-sector pension from a job not covered by Social Security, such as teaching, law enforcement or firefighting, you may now be eligible for increased Social Security benefits due to the repeal of the WEP and GPO.

  • How does the repeal of WEP and GPO impact my Social Security payments?

    The repeal removes the reductions previously applied to Social Security benefits for those with public pensions. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that affected retirees will see monthly increases averaging $360, with surviving spouses possibly receiving over $1,000 more per month.1

  • Am I eligible for the changes if I haven't retired yet?

    If you qualify for Social Security benefits and are impacted by WEP or GPO, your future benefits will reflect the changes under the SSFA. The law applies to all eligible beneficiaries, regardless of retirement status.

3. Timing and retroactive payments
  • When will the changes take effect?

    The law is effective retroactively from January 2024. Monthly benefits will be adjusted, and a lump sum will be issued for the retroactive portion dating back to January 2024. The SSA is working on an implementation plan, and no timeline for monthly benefit adjustments and lump sum payments has been released at this time.

  • Do I need to take any action to receive these benefits?

    No. The SSA will automatically adjust benefits for eligible individuals. The SSA has not yet released their implementation plan, but they will be contacting eligible individuals.

  • How do I claim retroactive payments?

    No action is required. The SSA will automatically recalculate benefits and issue lump-sum payments. You should receive communication from the SSA with details about your updated benefits.2

4. Financial implications
  • Will my increased benefits affect my taxes?

    Potentially. Higher Social Security benefits might increase your taxable income, particularly if you cross thresholds for taxation on Social Security. Consult a tax professional to understand your individual situation.

  • Will the changes affect other income-adjusted programs, such as Medicare premiums?

    Higher Social Security benefits may lead to increases in income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA) for Medicare. Be sure to review your income and consult your financial services professional to understand your individual situation.

Summary

The legislation has been signed into law but has yet to be implemented by the Social Security Administration. We will be updating this and other resources as we obtain additional information.

1- Congressional Budget Office (2025). Analysis of the Social Security Fairness Act. hr82.pdf
2 -U.S. Social Security Administration (2025). Implementation Guidelines for the Fairness Act. Social Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) update | SSA