For decades, millions of public workers were told the same thing: because you have a government pension, your Social Security will be cut, or you won’t get any at all. Many believed it and never applied.
That rule is gone. The Social Security Fairness Act, signed in January 2025, scrapped the two provisions behind those cuts. Yet stories keep coming out of retirees who still haven’t claimed, like one recently reported about a 68-year-old retired teacher who never applied because she thought her pension ruled her out. If that sounds like you or someone you know, here’s what changed and what to do.
The two rules that were scrapped
- Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): reduced the Social Security retirement or disability benefit of people who also got a pension from work where they didn’t pay Social Security tax.
- Government Pension Offset (GPO): reduced, and often wiped out, Social Security spousal and survivor benefits for people with that kind of government pension. It typically cut the benefit by two-thirds of the pension amount.
Both hit many teachers, firefighters, police officers, and some federal and state workers, especially in states where public jobs aren’t covered by Social Security.
What changed
The Social Security Fairness Act ended WEP and GPO for benefits payable from January 2024 onwards. People already getting reduced benefits had their payments increased, and received lump-sum back pay starting in early 2025. Higher monthly amounts started showing up from April 2025.
The gains can be big. Someone whose spousal or widow’s benefit was completely wiped out by GPO may now be entitled to hundreds of dollars a month, sometimes more.
Who needs to take action
If you were already getting Social Security, SSA adjusted your payments automatically. You don’t need to do anything, apart from making sure your address and bank details are up to date.
But if you never applied, SSA can’t pay you until you do. That includes people who:
- skipped applying for their own retirement benefit because they thought WEP would make it tiny
- never claimed a spousal benefit on a husband or wife’s record because GPO would have cancelled it
- never claimed a widow’s or widower’s benefit for the same reason
You still need enough work history: usually 40 credits for your own retirement benefit, or the right marriage history for spousal or survivor benefits.
How to apply
- Online at ssa.gov/apply
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213. SSA has said people affected by WEP or GPO can apply by phone. When asked how SSA can help, say “Fairness Act.”
- In person at a local office, by appointment
Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, marriage certificate (for spousal or survivor claims), details of your pension and your bank details ready.
Don’t wait any longer
Back pay for people who apply late can be limited, and every month you wait is a month you might not get back. Ask SSA how far back your claim can be paid when you apply.
If you know a retired teacher, firefighter or police officer, especially someone widowed, pass this on. Many still don’t know the rules changed.
Sources: PSCA, SSA guidance on WEP/GPO applications, FedSmith and Benzinga (October 2026).
Jackson is a dedicated USA news writer, who covers important topics such as Social Security payment schedules, COLA increases, IRS tax refunds, stimulus payment announcements, Medicare eligibility, retirement benefits, and changes to state driving laws. His goal is to provide clear, informative, and easy-to-follow articles that help retirees, seniors, taxpayers, and American families stay informed.