Article updated on February 25, 2025
Latest Update on the Social Security Fairness Act
The Social Security Administration has announced the immediate start of retroactive payments and an increase in monthly benefit payments for individuals affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions previously reduced or eliminated benefits for over 3.2 million people with non-covered pensions. The Social Security Fairness Act, which ends WEP and GPO, will provide retroactive payments by the end of March and higher monthly benefits starting in April, though complex cases may take longer to process. Beneficiaries will be notified by mail about these changes but they are advised to wait until April before contacting Social Security about the adjustments.
View a copy of the official press release at https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-02-25-a
Visit the official agency’s Social Security Fairness Act webpage: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html
The article below was originally posted on January 6, 2025:
On January 5, 2025, President Biden signed into law the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R. 82), which repeals two long-standing federal laws: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions reduced Social Security payments for recipients of other benefits such as a pension from state or local government, impacting almost three million individuals, including some LAFPP retirees and beneficiaries.
What Are WEP and GPO?
WEP and GPO are federal laws that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension from work not covered by Social Security, such as City of Los Angeles employees.
- WEP: This provision affects individuals who qualify for Social Security benefits through other jobs covered by Social Security but also earn a pension from non-covered employment (e.g., LAFPP members). Under WEP, Social Security benefits are typically reduced by about 50%, although they cannot be reduced to zero.
- GPO: This provision applies to individuals who qualify for spousal Social Security benefits and also earn a pension from non-covered employment. The GPO reduces benefits up to a certain amount, often eliminating the spousal benefit entirely.
Impact of the Repeal
It is unclear at this time how quickly the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be able to recalculate benefit amounts for those impacted by WEP and GPO. Individuals who may have seen their Social Security benefits reduced by these provisions are encouraged to speak with a Social Security Administration representative. Please note that this change DOES NOT IMPACT benefits received from LAFPP.
What Should You Do?
For specific questions about how the repeal will impact your individual Social Security benefits, it is recommended to contact the SSA directly. Visit www.ssa.gov for updates and detailed information.
