The Social Security Fairness Act repealed two rules — the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) — that had reduced or erased Social Security benefits for more than 2.8 million people who also receive a pension from work not covered by Social Security. Here is who benefits, how much, and what you need to do.
Quick answer
On January 5, 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act became law and ended WEP and GPO. If your retirement, disability, spouse’s, or survivor benefit was reduced or zeroed out because you (or your spouse) earned a “non-covered” pension — for example, as a teacher, firefighter, police officer, or federal Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) employee — you may now receive a higher monthly benefit plus back pay to January 2024. Most people who were already receiving a reduced benefit do not need to do anything except make sure the Social Security Administration (SSA) has their current mailing address and direct deposit on file.
Key takeaways
- WEP and GPO no longer apply. December 2023 was the last month either rule was used; higher benefits are payable for January 2024 and later.
- About 2.8 million people are affected — mostly certain public-sector workers with a pension from non-covered work, plus their spouses and surviving spouses.
- Benefit increases vary widely. SSA says some people see only a small change while others may be eligible for over $1,000 more each month.
- If you were already getting a reduced benefit, SSA is adjusting it automatically — no application is needed.
- If WEP or GPO had wiped out your benefit and you never applied, you may need to file, and the filing date can affect when benefits begin.
- SSA never charges to increase or expedite benefits. Anyone who asks for payment is running a scam.
Who is affected
The repeal helps people who receive a pension based on work where they did not pay Social Security taxes — what SSA calls a “non-covered pension.” That commonly includes:
- Teachers, firefighters, and police officers in the states that keep some public employees out of Social Security;
- Federal employees covered by the older Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS); and
- People whose work was covered by a foreign social security system.
Not every public employee benefits, though. SSA notes that about 72 percent of state and local public employees already work in Social Security-covered jobs, pay Social Security taxes, and were never touched by WEP or GPO. Those workers will not see an increase from this law. WEP reduced the retirement or disability benefit a worker earned on their own record; GPO reduced — often to zero — the spouse’s or surviving spouse’s benefit a person could receive on someone else’s record. The Fairness Act ends both.
How the repeal works and how far back it goes
December 2023 is the last month WEP and GPO applied, so the rules no longer reduce benefits payable for January 2024 and later. (A benefit “payable” for January 2024 is generally received in February 2024.) People who were already entitled to a benefit that WEP or GPO reduced are due a one-time retroactive payment covering the increase back to January 2024, followed by a higher ongoing monthly amount.
SSA began adjusting monthly payments on February 25, 2025, and most affected beneficiaries started receiving their new monthly amount in April 2025 (for the March 2025 benefit). As of July 7, 2025, SSA reported it had completed sending over 3.1 million payments totaling about $17 billion — a running total the agency said was five months ahead of schedule. Because these are point-in-time figures, treat them as a snapshot and check the SSA page for the latest status.
| Item | Detail (per SSA) |
|---|---|
| Signed into law | January 5, 2025 |
| Rules repealed | Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) |
| Last month WEP/GPO applied | December 2023 |
| Increases payable from | January 2024 onward |
| Automatic adjustments began | February 25, 2025 |
| People affected | More than 2.8 million |
| Possible increase | Varies; some small, some over $1,000 per month |
How much more will you get?
There is no single number. SSA says the change “can vary greatly” depending on the type of benefit you receive and the size of your non-covered pension. Some people see a small bump; others may qualify for more than $1,000 in additional monthly benefits. Your personalized amount is explained in the notice SSA mails you. You may receive two notices — one when WEP or GPO is removed from your record and another when your new monthly amount is set — and the back payment can arrive before the paper notice.
What to do now
If you are already receiving a reduced benefit
You generally do not need to take any action. Just confirm that SSA has your correct mailing address and direct deposit information so your back payment and new amount arrive without delay. You can check or update these details in your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount, or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
If WEP or GPO eliminated your benefit and you never applied
You may need to file an application, because the date you apply can affect when your benefits begin and how much you receive. Retroactivity for most retirement and survivor claims is generally limited to six months before the month you file, though some disability-based claims may allow up to 12 months. Retirement and spouse’s applications can be started online at ssa.gov/apply; survivor’s claims are handled by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
Watch out for scams
Whenever benefits and back pay are in the news, scammers follow. SSA will never ask or require you to pay for help, or to have your benefits started, increased, or expedited. If someone calls, texts, or emails offering to speed up your Fairness Act payment for a fee — or asks for your bank details or Social Security number — hang up and do not respond. Report Social Security-related scams at ssa.gov/scams.
Official sources
- SSA — Social Security Fairness Act: WEP and GPO update
- H.R. 82 — Social Security Fairness Act (enrolled bill text)
- SSA — Protect yourself from scams
- SSA — my Social Security account
Next steps
- Sign in to or create your my Social Security account and verify your mailing address and direct deposit.
- Watch your mail for SSA notices explaining your back payment and new monthly amount.
- If you never applied because WEP or GPO erased your benefit, consider filing soon — your filing date can matter.
- Ignore anyone who asks for money or personal details to “release” your Fairness Act payment.
Related guides
- Social Security 2026 Guide
- How Social Security Benefits Are Calculated
- Social Security Spousal Benefits 2026
- Social Security Survivor Benefits 2026
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply to get my WEP or GPO increase?
If you were already receiving a benefit that WEP or GPO reduced, no — SSA is adjusting it automatically; just keep your mailing address and direct deposit current. If WEP or GPO eliminated your benefit and you never applied, you may need to file, and your filing date can affect when benefits start.
How far back does the increase go?
December 2023 was the last month WEP or GPO applied, so higher benefits are payable from January 2024 onward. People already entitled to a reduced benefit receive a one-time back payment covering the increase to January 2024.
How much will my benefit go up?
It varies. SSA says some increases are small while others may exceed $1,000 a month, depending on your benefit type and the size of your non-covered pension. Your mailed notice shows your exact amount.
Is there a fee to get my Fairness Act payment faster?
No. SSA never charges to start, increase, or speed up benefits. Any such offer is a scam — hang up and report it at ssa.gov/scams.
I am a teacher — am I automatically getting more?
Not necessarily. Only people with a pension from work not covered by Social Security are affected. SSA says about 72 percent of public employees already pay Social Security taxes and will see no change.
Last verified against official sources on September 1, 2026. This is general information, not personalized advice, and has not been independently reviewed by an outside subject-matter expert. Confirm current details with the agency before acting.