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Social Security Benefits Expand for Millions with Landmark Reform

The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates longstanding provisions, increasing payouts for public sector retirees, but new digital requirements raise accessibility concerns.

  • The Social Security Fairness Act, signed in January 2025, removes the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), benefiting over 3 million retirees.
  • Eligible recipients include certain teachers, firefighters, police officers, federal employees, and workers with foreign social security coverage.
  • Retroactive lump-sum payments for increased benefits dating back to January 2024 are being disbursed by the end of March, with monthly increases starting in April.
  • Benefit increases range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 per month, depending on individual factors such as pension size and benefit type.
  • New online authentication requirements by the Social Security Administration have raised concerns about accessibility for individuals without reliable internet access, particularly in rural areas.
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