For many years, millions of public sector retirees faced unplanned decreased in their Social Security benefits as a result of two provisions: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These two provisions were originally designed to prevent perceived overpayments, and this often-left retirees frustrated and financially strained. As a result of the Social Security Fairness Act, those affected will finally receive their full benefits with retroactive payments.

What Were WEP and GPO?

The WEP reduced Social Security benefits for individuals who also received a pension from a job that did not contribute to Social Security. This primarily affected teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other government employees.

The GPO impacted spousal and survivor benefits, which reduced or eliminated benefits for those who received a government pension. There were many who were unable to claim benefits that they were expecting and this led to unnecessary financial burden.

The Social Security Fairness Act: A Game-Changer

The Social Security was signed into law in January 2025 and repealed both WEP and GPO, effective January 1, 2024. This means that beneficiaries who were previously affected will now receive their full benefits, without reductions.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) began sending out retroactive payments in February 2025. This is to ensure that those impacted receive compensation for the benefits they lost in 2024.

How Much Will Retirees Receive?

The repeal of WEP and GPO has led to significant increases in monthly benefits:

Public-sector retirees previously affected by WEP will see an average increase of $360 per month.
Spouses impacted by GPO will receive an average increase of $700 per month.
Surviving spouses affected by GPO must expect average increase of $1,190 per month.

Additionally, retirees are receiving lump sum payments covering the benefits they missed in 2024. The SSA estimated that most eligible citizens would have received their back payments by March 31, 2025, with full monthly benefits reflected in April 2025 payments.

Retirees React to the Change

For many retirees, the repeal of WEP and GPO has brought unexpected financial relief. Some have described it as a “long-overdue correction”, while others are simply grateful to receive the benefits they had initially planned for.

Many financial advisors also gave their pitch stating that even though some retirees made adjustments to their financial stature, many others experienced financial strain. David Demming, a certified financial planner, remarked that “the repeal feels like windfall money because many had already adapted to the cuts”.

Concerns About Social Security’s Future

While the repeal of WEP and GPO is great news for retirees, some experts worry about its impact on Social Security’s long-term finances. Alicia Munnell, senior advisor at the Centre for Retirement Research at Boston College, has criticized the repeal, arguing that it “accelerates the depletion of the trust funds by about six months”.

According to the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Chief Actuary, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund is still projected to be depleted by 2033. However, the combined OASI and Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Funds are now expected to run out in 2034, moving up one year from previous estimates.

The repeal of WEP and GPO marks a significant victory for retirees who have long fought for fair treatment. While concerns remain about Social Security’s financial stability, the immediate impact is clear: millions of retirees are finally receiving the benefits they deserve.

All those affected must contact the SSA as soon as possible. This is to ensure they receive their retroactive payments and updated monthly benefits. If you or a loved one were impacted by WEP or GPO, now is the time to review your Social Security statements and plan accordingly.