The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a major update for retirees impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
Beginning Feb. 24, the SSA will issue lump-sum payments to retirees penalized by the two provisions. Because the Social Security Fairness Act applies retroactively, this payment returns withheld benefits from January 2024 onward and will be paid directly into retirees’ bank accounts on file. Payments are expected by the end of March.
SSA will also begin adjusting new monthly benefit totals for retirees. Because Social Security payments are paid out a month behind (i.e., January benefits are received in February), most retirees can expect to see their increased benefits by the end of April.
“Retired fire fighters, police officers, teachers, and others have waited long enough to get the full benefits they earned and paid into. We’re glad to see the Social Security Administration has sped up their process and will now be getting payments out to retirees in a matter of weeks, not years,” said IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly. “These increased benefits will make a real and tangible difference in the lives of millions of retirees across the country.”
Any retiree impacted by the change to the WEP and GPO provisions will receive a notice in the mail from the Social Security Administration explaining the changes to their account. Some may receive two notices – one to certify the removal of the penalties and another detailing new adjusted monthly benefits. Retroactive payments and monthly adjustments may be issued before the notices arrive.
These increased benefits will make a real and tangible difference in the lives of millions of retirees across the country.
General President Edward A. Kelly
Some complex cases will still have to be processed manually, which may delay payments for certain retirees. The SSA is asking all retirees to wait until April before inquiring about any delays.
Make sure to check the IAFF’s Social Security Fairness Act FAQs to get the most up-to-date information about adjusted payments and more.
For more information, visit www.ssa.gov.
