For too long, millions of public-sector workers—including dedicated teachers, firefighters, police officers, and federal employees—have seen their hard-earned Social Security benefits reduced or even eliminated by two complicated and often misunderstood provisions: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These rules were a source of frustration and financial hardship, penalizing workers who had a pension from non-Social Security-covered employment, as well as a spouse’s or survivor’s benefit. But that era is officially over. The recent passage of the Social Security Fairness Act has eliminated both WEP and GPO, opening the door for many to receive the full benefits they rightfully deserve.

The WEP and GPO were complex laws that created a financial puzzle for many retirees. The WEP affected individuals who received a pension from a job where they did not pay Social Security taxes, such as a public school teaching position, and also had Social Security benefits from other work. This provision would reduce their Social Security retirement or disability benefits, sometimes by a substantial amount. The GPO worked similarly but targeted spousal and survivor benefits. If you received a government pension from a non-Social Security-covered job, the GPO could reduce or eliminate the spousal or survivor benefits you were entitled to receive based on your partner’s Social Security record. These rules were widely seen as unfair, creating a financial hardship for many families who had planned their retirement assuming they would receive both their pension and their full Social Security benefits.

The new Social Security Fairness Act changes everything. Starting in 2025, these provisions no longer apply, meaning those affected will no longer face these reductions. This is more than just a policy change—it’s a financial lifeline. For many, it will result in a significant and permanent increase in their monthly Social Security check. The SSA has already begun the process of identifying and issuing retroactive payments to cover the period since the law was enacted, with some beneficiaries receiving a one-time payment averaging thousands of dollars. This is a monumental victory for public-sector workers who have dedicated their careers to serving their communities.

If you are a retired public-sector worker, or if you are the spouse or survivor of one, it is critical to understand if you were affected by WEP or GPO. The potential for a substantial increase in your monthly income is real, but navigating the process to ensure you receive it can be complex. At Bragg Social Security Consulting, we specialize in helping individuals and families understand these nuances. We can review your case, determine your eligibility for these increased benefits, and provide step-by-step support through the application process. You don’t have to tackle this alone. With our expert guidance, you can make sense of this landmark change and unlock the full value of the benefits you have earned through a lifetime of hard work and service. Don’t let a confusing process stand between you and the financial security you deserve; let us help you get started today.