Millions of retired teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other public workers are about to see a major increase in their Social Security benefits. A new law signed by President Joe Biden is eliminating two unfair rules that have reduced benefits for years. If you’ve worked in both public service and private sector jobs, you might be in for a financial boost.
What’s Changing?
The two biggest changes come from the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—rules that have reduced benefits for certain public employees.
- WEP Reduction Eliminated – Previously, public workers who also worked in private-sector jobs often saw their Social Security benefits slashed. This will no longer happen.
- Spousal & Survivor Benefits Restored – The GPO rule used to cut Social Security benefits for spouses and widows/widowers who received a government pension. Now, they can collect their full benefits.
How Much More Money Will You Get?
On average, teachers and public employees affected by these rules will see an increase of $360 per month in their Social Security checks. Spouses and widows/widowers affected by the GPO repeal will see an even bigger boost—some could get an extra $700 to $1,190 per month.
But here’s the best part: the increase is retroactive to January 2024. That means affected individuals will also receive a lump sum payout to cover the months they were underpaid.
When Will You Get the Money?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently working on adjusting payments. If you qualify for a larger benefit, you’ll likely see the increase in your payments by the end of the year. Retroactive payments will also be sent out, but exact dates haven’t been announced yet.
What Should You Do Next?
- Check Your Benefits – If you’re a retired public worker or receiving a government pension, visit the Social Security Administration’s website or call your local office to see how these changes affect you.
- Prepare for a Lump Sum Payment – If you were affected by the WEP or GPO, make sure your banking information is up to date to receive your retroactive payout.
- Talk to a Financial Advisor – If you’re unsure how these changes impact your retirement plan, it may be helpful to get professional guidance.
This law is a major win for public servants who have spent their lives working hard for their communities. If you or a loved one has been affected by these benefit reductions in the past, now is the time to check your Social Security statement and see how much more money you could be receiving.
