The Social Security Fairness Act (WEP and GPO repeal) explained
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed on January 5, 2025, repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). A pension from work that was not covered by Social Security no longer reduces your Social Security benefit, for benefits payable after December 2023.
Last updated: . Education, not financial advice.
What changed
- WEP used to lower the retirement benefit of people who also had a pension from work that did not pay Social Security tax, such as some teachers and other government workers. It is repealed.
- GPO used to reduce spousal and survivor benefits by two-thirds of that kind of government pension. It is repealed.
- The repeal applies to benefits payable after December 2023.
Source: Social Security Fairness Act (opens in a new tab)
What this means for the numbers
If you have such a pension, your Social Security benefit is worked out with the normal rules. Here is an example with a full benefit of $2,000 for someone born in 1962:
| Benefit | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Own retirement benefit at 62 | $1,400 |
| Own retirement benefit at 67 | $2,000 |
| Own retirement benefit at 70 | $2,480 |
| Spousal benefit at 67, spouse with no work record | $1,000 |
| Survivor benefit at survivor full retirement age | $2,000 |
Source: Social Security Fairness Act (opens in a new tab), Full retirement age and reduction by claiming age (opens in a new tab), Spousal benefit calculator (opens in a new tab), Survivor benefits by age (opens in a new tab)
What to do if this applies to you
- Check your Social Security statement for your full retirement age amount. See how to get your statement.
- If you were turned down or paid a reduced amount before, the Social Security Administration has information on its Fairness Act page, including what to do if it applies to you.
- If you are choosing when to claim, the same age rules apply: earlier is smaller, later is larger.
Source: Social Security Fairness Act (opens in a new tab), my Social Security account (your statement) (opens in a new tab)
Common questions
What did the Social Security Fairness Act do?
It repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. A pension from work not covered by Social Security no longer reduces your benefit.
When was it signed?
On January 5, 2025. It applies to benefits payable after December 2023.
Does it change the best age to claim?
The age rules are the same. Starting at 62 pays 70% of your full benefit, and waiting until 70 pays 124%, if your full retirement age is 67.
Sources
- Social Security Fairness Act (opens in a new tab)
- Full retirement age and reduction by claiming age (opens in a new tab)
- Spousal benefit calculator (opens in a new tab)
- Survivor benefits by age (opens in a new tab)
- my Social Security account (your statement) (opens in a new tab)
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Wait or Claim is independent. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Social Security Administration or any government agency. We give education, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check your own facts with Social Security (ssa.gov) before you file.