Social Security Fairness Act Delays Benefit Increases for Millions

The repeal of two provisions boosts benefits for public sector retirees, but funding shortages may delay payments by over a year.

The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by former President Joe Biden, eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), increasing benefits for over 3 million retirees.
The law retroactively applies to benefits from January 2024, with eligible retirees expected to receive lump-sum payments and increased monthly benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) cites a lack of funding and ongoing staffing shortages, including a hiring freeze since November 2024, as reasons for delays in implementing the law.
Implementation challenges mean some retirees may wait over a year for adjusted benefits and retroactive payments, with SSA prioritizing existing workloads and services.
Concerns about the financial strain on Social Security Trust Funds have been raised, with estimates suggesting the law could cost $195.7 billion over the next decade and potentially accelerate insolvency timelines.