GPO/WEP Update: Social Security Fairness Act Going into Effect Now

OAPSE and AFSCME members fought for decades to repeal the unfair GPO and WEP provisions that cut Social Security benefits for retirees who worked in the public sector. The Social Security Fairness Act ended these devastating cuts.

This week, the Social Security Administration announced it will “immediately” begin paying retroactive benefits and increasing monthly benefits for retirees previously affected by the Government Pension Offset (GPO) or the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Most people will receive their one-time retroactive payment by the end of March, and higher monthly benefits should be reflected in April.

“The agency’s original estimate of taking a year or more now will only apply to complex cases that cannot be processed by automation. The American people deserve to get their due benefits as quickly as possible,” Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security, said in a statement.

If you have become eligible for retirement benefits since Jan. 5 or had not applied because of WEP or GPO, you should see accurate payments when you apply and start collecting benefits. 

Beneficiaries can visit SSA’s dedicated website to learn more about the Fairness Act and see updates on the agency’s progress.

OAPSE and AFSCME members played a critical role in the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. Now more than ever, OAPSE members will be able to retire with the dignity they deserve and the benefits they have earned.

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