Does the Social Security Fairness Act Apply to You?

Social Security Fairness Act 2025: Who Benefits & How to Apply

The Social Security Fairness Act was passed on January 5, 2025. This Act eliminates the WEP and the GPO that previously reduced Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive pensions from jobs, not covered by Social Security. People with pensions from non-Social Security covered jobs will now receive their full Social Security benefits. This primarily benefits, public sector, workers like teachers, firefighters, and police officers who receive pensions from jobs where Social Security taxes were not withheld.

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) primarily affect public sector employees in states where certain government jobs do not participate in the Social Security system. These provisions apply to retirees who receive a pension from work that did not pay Social Security taxes.

SSA is currently finalizing its plans to implement this Act. If you believe you may be impacted or would like SSA to review your situation you can go to https://www.ssa.gov/ apply to apply for benefits. Or, you can call their national number 1-800-772-1213.

It is important to remember that SSA will never ask or require a person to pay either for assistance or to have their benefits started, increased, or paid retroactively. Hang up and do not click or respond to anyone offering to increase or expedite benefits.

Here is a link to the Social Security administration’s site that explains this new Act and the page is regularly updated: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html

Abigail Skipper

Financial Advisor & Coach