The United States Senate made history when it passed the Social Security Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
Since then, many IAFF members have been asking how the change will impact them. We’ve answered some of your most commonly asked questions about how the repeal could benefit you.
(Updated Jan. 5 with information from the Social Security Administration.)
How will I know if the Social Security Fairness Act impacts me?
To determine if the repeal of the WEP and GPO penalties will impact you, the IAFF recommends all retirees:
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.
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.
Consult your financial advisor:
Given the enormous change in the Social Security Act due to the repeal of WEP/GPO, the IAFF recommends contacting your financial advisor to get more information about how these changes may impact your monthly benefits.
Not sure who to consult? You can find a list of IAFF Financial Corp partners here.
What is the effective date of the Social Security Fairness Act?
When enacted into law, the Social Security Fairness Act makes payments retroactive to January 2024.
When will I see an increased benefit from the law?
The Social Security Fairness Act is the most significant change to the Social Security Act in decades. Given this, and that there will be a new Social Security Administrator next year, the SSA will need to work through the provisions in the law and determine the best way to implement the new policy.
The IAFF will update retirees once the Social Security Fairness Act has been fully implemented.
I previously filed for Social Security benefits and they are partially or completely offset.
From the Social Security Administration:
“You do not need to take any action except to verify that we have 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.
From the Social Security Administration:
“If you are receiving a public pension and are interested in filing for benefits, you may file online at ssa.gov or schedule an appointment.”
How did my Senators and Representatives vote?
The Social Security Fairness Act received overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle voted in favor of repealing the WEP/GPO during the course of the bill’s consideration.
See how your Senators voted here.
See how your Representative voted here.
When will the bill be signed into law?
President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act on Jan. 5, 2025.
How can I thank my lawmakers for supporting the repeal of WEP/GPO?
The Social Security Fairness Act could never have gotten to President Biden’s desk without the support of the 327 House members and 76 Senators who voted to repeal the unfair provisions.
Members can visit the IAFF Advocacy Center to send a personalized thank you to their Representatives and Senators or call their offices directly at (202) 224-3121.
