How will the repeal of GPO/WEP change your life?

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Congress has passed the Social Security Fairness Act, repealing the unfair penalties known as GPO and WEP. These penalties denied retired educators, first responders, and other public service workers their full Social Security benefits.

Let us know what this means for you.

"My husband died six years ago, but I receive no survivor benefits because I was a teacher in Alaska, a GPO-WEP state. Now that we have restored fairness to Social Security, retired educators like me will no longer be unfairly denied benefits they or their spouses have earned."

—Gayle Harbo, Alaska

"I have lost well over $110,000 in benefits that I earned in the 15 years that I worked and paid into Social Security before becoming a teacher in Missouri, a GPO/WEP state. Now that we have helped achieve this victory, educators like me can breathe easier."

—Martha Karlovetz, Missouri

What is GPO, the Government Pension Offset?

GPO reduces—or eliminates—the Social Security spousal or survivor benefits of people who also get a pension based on federal, state, or local government employment NOT covered by Social Security.

What is WEP, the Windfall Elimination Provision?

WEP reduces the Social Security benefits of people who work in jobs covered by Social Security and jobs NOT covered by Social Security over the course of their careers—for example, educators compelled to take part-time or summer jobs to make ends meet.