FAQ: Social Security Fairness Act

When can I expect my full Social Security payment now that GPO and WEP have been repealed?

Now that the Social Security Fairness Act is law, the Social Security Administration is evaluating it and determining how to implement it. We do not know how long this process will take.

We will provide more information as soon as it is available. 

What will my Social Security payments be now that GPO and WEP have been repealed?

Impacted individuals will see an estimated average increase of $360 per month, but actual amounts will vary based on employment history.  

Impacted individuals will also receive a lump sum payment for those impacted in 2024, compensating for lost benefits. 

Additionally, spouses, widows, and widowers will no longer see reductions in survivor benefits due to the Government Pension Offset.

GPO Calculator

WEP Calculator

How will I know if the Social Security Fairness Act impacts me?

1. Review your employment history:

Identify if you have worked in a public sector job and/or received a pension through your public employment. These provisions typically affect state and local government employees who have also worked a job(s) that required employees to pay into Social Security.

2. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA):

The Social Security Administration (SSA) can provide personalized information about how these changes in the Social Security Act may impact your benefits. They can also help you calculate your new monthly benefits once the bill is signed into law.

You can call the SSA at (800) 772-1213 between 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (local time), Monday through Friday. Retirees can also visit the SSA’s website (www.ssa.gov) for more information and resources related to their Social Security benefits and the WEP.

Those wishing to discuss the changes in person can click here to find the closest SSA field office near you.

I do not currently pay into Social Security. Will I need to start paying into it in order to receive the benefits of GPO/WEP repeal?

No. The Social Security Fairness Act does not include a mandate that would require individuals to join Social Security. The decision to enter into Social Security cannot be made unilaterally by an individual. The decision is made by state and local employers, like school districts, and it applies to all staff under their employment agreements.

What should I do if I previously filed for Social Security benefits and they are partially or completely offset?

At this time, you do not need to take any action except to verify that the Social Security administration has your current mailing address and direct deposit information if it has recently changed. Most people can do this online with their personal my Social Security account without calling or visiting Social Security. Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount to sign in or create your account.

I have not previously filed for Social Security benefits. How do I do that?

If you are receiving a public pension and are interested in filing for benefits, you may file online at ssa.gov/apply or schedule an appointment.

Will I receive retroactive payments if I was impacted by GPO and WEP?

The new law includes a provision to pay some recipients retroactively for 2024. President Biden announced that individuals will be receiving a lump sum payment. The SSA will be providing more information soon on retroactive payments.

What is the Government Pension Offset (GPO)?

The 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. Two-thirds of the pension amount is deducted from the Social Security benefit—for someone getting a $1,500 pension, for example, the Social Security benefit is lowered by $1,000. More than 70 percent of those affected by the GPO lose their entire spousal or survivor benefit. 

Frequently Asked Questions about GPO

What is 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. Some people receiving foreign pensions are also subject to the WEP.

Frequently Asked Questions about WEP