On January 5, 2025, a significant update to Social Security takes effect. The Social Security Fairness Act repeals two contentious regulations: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
These provisions had long been a source of frustration, reducing retiree benefits for millions of people. According to congressional reports, these rules will affect more than two million people by the end of 2023.
For decades, these cuts impacted people who had worked hard and contributed to the system, leaving many feeling underserved. The new law seeks to restore fairness and ensure that employees and their families receive the benefits they have earned.
A major change in Social Security
This created uncertainty, particularly in professions that require frequent career changes, such as teaching or public service. With WEP gone, workers can rest assured that their Social Security benefits will not be reduced for contributing to multiple systems.
The removal of the WEP and GPO mainly benefits two groups:
- If you’ve worked at least 40 quarters (10 years) and contributed to Social Security, you qualify for some level of benefits. Under the old WEP rule, people who switched jobs—from contributing to Social Security to a pension system unrelated to Social Security—faced reduced payouts.
Here’s an example to clarify: Assume you worked 25 years in a high-paying corporate job and paid into Social Security. Later, you decide to teach for the last 15 years of your career, contributing only to the government pension. Prior to this law, your pension income would have reduced your Social Security benefits from earlier in your career.
Surviving spouses of government pensioners
The GPO rule primarily affected surviving spouses who received Social Security benefits following their partner’s death. This rule reduced Social Security benefits by two-thirds of the pension amount.
For example, suppose you are entitled to $3,000 per month from Social Security and an additional $3,000 from a government pension. The GPO would reduce your Social Security benefit to $1,000, resulting in a total income of $4,000 rather than the expected $6,000.
This reduction had a devastating impact on many families, particularly those who relied on both sources of income to meet their needs. With GPO eliminated, surviving spouses can now receive full Social Security benefits in addition to their pensions.
What you should do now
If you think you’re affected by this change, here are a few steps to get started:
Check your contribution history
Log in to your Social Security account to review how many years you’ve worked and contributed. Understanding your record will help you see how the changes might apply to you.
Consult a financial advisor
If you receive a government pension and suspect the old rules affected your benefits, a financial expert can help you understand what this update means for your overall income.
Contact Social Security
Already receiving benefits? It’s a good idea to reach out to Social Security to confirm if your payments will adjust under the new law.
Why this change matters
The elimination of WEP and GPO is more than just a policy change; it’s a step toward fairness. For years, these rules penalized people who worked in the public sector or switched between jobs. Those who have contributed to both the Social Security and pension systems will now receive their entitlements without being unfairly penalized.
For surviving spouses, this change can provide much-needed financial relief during trying times. Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the additional stress of a reduced income. The updated rules ensure that families receive the support they deserve.
This Social Security update is a victory for workers and retirees whose benefits have been unfairly reduced for years. If you are among those affected by the old rules, now is the time to act.
Take a moment to assess your situation and ensure that everything is in order. Staying informed and seeking advice as needed can help you plan for a more secure financial future. With these changes in place, millions of Americans can finally rest easy knowing they’ll receive the benefits they’ve worked so hard to obtain.
