Social Security Fairness Act, Expanding Benefits for Public Sector Retirees

The new law repeals two provisions that reduced benefits for millions of public servants, with back payments and increased monthly payouts starting this year.

The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which previously reduced benefits for public sector retirees and their spouses.
The law impacts nearly 3 million Americans, including teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other government workers, many of whom will receive back payments averaging $4,320 for 2024.
Monthly Social Security payments will increase by an average of $360 for affected retirees, with additional increases for surviving spouses expected by 2025.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the law will cost approximately $195 billion over the next decade, potentially accelerating Social Security fund insolvency by six months.
The Social Security Administration is determining timelines for implementation, as experts warn of operational challenges and funding pressures for the agency.