Social Security Fairness Act: A Win for Public Servants

The Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82, has finally become a reality. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on January 5, 2025, eliminating two provisions that have long affected public servants: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). This legislation is a significant victory for public servants, who have long advocated for the repeal of these provisions.

The WEP and GPO have historically reduced Social Security benefits for retirees who receive pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security. The WEP targeted workers who had both public and private sector jobs, while the GPO affected spouses and survivors of public servants. These provisions were intended to prevent "double dipping," but they often resulted in unfair penalties for public servants who had paid into Social Security through other employment.

With the repeal of WEP and GPO, over 2 million retired public employees, spouses, and survivors will see an average monthly increase of $360 in their Social Security benefits. Additionally, those affected will be made whole for 2024, receiving a lump sum payment for the funds they would have received last year.

The Social Security Fairness Act passed the House in November 2024 with bipartisan support, and the Senate followed suit in December with a 70-26 vote. The bill's sponsors, Reps. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Garret Graves (R-LA), and Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), deserve credit for their leadership in pushing this legislation through Congress.

For those who have previously filed for Social Security benefits that are currently partially or completely offset, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that no action is required at this time. However, it is essential to verify that the SSA has your current mailing address and direct deposit information if it has recently changed. For those who have not previously filed for Social Security benefits, the SSA encourages interested individuals to file online or schedule an appointment.

The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) applauds the signing of the Social Security Fairness Act, stating that it has long fought for the elimination of WEP and GPO. NFFE President Randy Erwin expressed gratitude to President Biden for supporting public servants and signing the bill into law.

The repeal of WEP and GPO is a significant step towards fairness and equity for public servants. This legislation recognizes the contributions of public servants and ensures that they receive the full Social Security benefits they have earned. As we move forward, it is essential to continue advocating for policies that support and protect the retirement security of public servants.