January 2025 | Important Changes to Social Security

We want to keep you informed about important changes to Social Security benefits that may impact you or someone you know.

On January 5, 2025, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, bringing significant changes to the way Social Security benefits are calculated for individuals who receive pensions from work not covered by Social Security, such as certain public sector jobs.

What’s Changing?

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) have been repealed. These provisions previously reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for millions of people who received pensions based on work that didn’t contribute to Social Security. With their repeal, many retirees will see an increase in their Social Security benefits.

The changes primarily affect:

• Public sector workers: such as teachers, firefighters, police officers, and certain federal employees.
• Those who have pensions from employment not covered by Social Security, including some foreign social security systems.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you or someone you know has been affected by the WEP or GPO in the past, this repeal could result in a higher Social Security benefit. Some groups, including public servants like teachers and law enforcement officers, are expected to benefit most from these changes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is in the process of implementing the new law, and more details will become available as they work through the adjustments.

Next Steps:

• Update your contact information: To ensure you receive timely updates regarding any adjustments to your benefits, we encourage you to confirm that your contact details are current with the Social Security Administration.
• Stay informed: The SSA will provide more specific information as they finalize their plans to implement the Social Security Fairness Act. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
• If you are not receiving any social security due to the prior reduction, then updating your address with Social Security is an important step to take.

We are here to help if you have any questions about how these changes may impact you or if you need assistance with updating your information with the SSA.