Millions of public-sector workers, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers, are about to see their Social Security benefits increase thanks to the newly signed Social Security Fairness Act. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law, putting an end to two controversial rules that have reduced benefits for public workers for decades.
This is the first major change to Social Security in over 20 years, and it’s expected to make a big difference for millions of retirees.
Why Public Workers Are Getting More Money
If you’re a public employee, you might already know about the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These rules were introduced back in the 1980s to prevent people from “double-dipping” — receiving a full government pension and full Social Security benefits.
But the problem? These rules hit many public workers hard. They reduced Social Security checks for those who earned pensions through jobs that didn’t pay into the Social Security system — like teachers or police officers. For surviving spouses, the cuts could be even worse.
With the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, WEP and GPO are officially repealed. That means public workers who previously had their Social Security benefits reduced will finally get the full amount they’ve earned.
How Much Will Benefits Increase?
- On average, those affected by WEP could see an extra $360 a month added to their Social Security checks.
- Surviving spouses hit by GPO could get the biggest boost, with increases of up to $1,190 per month.
The changes are retroactive to January 2024, so affected individuals will also receive back payments to cover any missed increases.
When Will You See the Increase?
The Social Security Administration is currently working to adjust benefit amounts and issue back payments. The process is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Who Benefits Most?
According to estimates, about 2 million people will benefit from this change. This includes not just retired teachers, police officers, and firefighters, but also surviving spouses who were previously denied full widow or widower benefits.
Financial Impact and Concerns
While this is great news for retirees, the change comes with a significant price tag. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the repeal of WEP and GPO will cost about $196 billion over the next 10 years.
Critics worry this could further strain the already fragile Social Security trust funds, which are projected to face insolvency issues by 2035. Others are concerned that the Social Security Administration, which is operating with its lowest staffing levels in years, could face delays in processing these changes.
Why This Change Took So Long
For years, advocates have been pushing for the repeal of WEP and GPO, arguing that they unfairly penalized public-sector workers. The Social Security Fairness Act passed with strong bipartisan support in the Senate, where it received 73 votes, including support from 24 Republicans.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re a public-sector retiree or a surviving spouse, you don’t need to take any immediate action. The Social Security Administration will automatically adjust your benefits and notify you of any changes. However, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for official updates and check your benefit statements to ensure you receive the correct amount.
Final Thoughts
The Social Security Fairness Act is a landmark victory for millions of public workers who have long been shortchanged by outdated rules. With retroactive payments and monthly increases on the way, many retirees will finally receive the benefits they deserve.
Stay informed, and if you believe you’re affected by this change, make sure you follow up with the Social Security Administration to avoid missing out on potential back pay.
