President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, delivering a major win for nearly 3 million public sector employees, retirees, and their families. The legislation repeals two long-standing provisions that had cut Social Security benefits for government retirees, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters.
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) had previously reduced Social Security payments for those who worked both in government roles and jobs covered by Social Security, as well as for spouses and surviving spouses of government pension recipients. The new law eliminates these provisions, ensuring a fairer system and significantly increasing monthly payments.
By December 2025, those affected by WEP will see an average increase of $360 per month, while those impacted by GPO will receive an average boost of $700 for spouses and $1,190 for surviving spouses. The retroactive adjustments will take effect from January 2024.
While the law is hailed by supporters as a necessary correction, critics warn it could increase Social Security costs, potentially hastening its projected insolvency. Despite the concerns, the law marks a historic shift toward fairness, promising a brighter financial future for those who serve in public sector roles.
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