WEP, GPO repealed
OPERS worked for many years to shine a light on Social Security provisions
By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
Jan. 9, 2025 – President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act on Jan. 5, repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. OPERS has worked hard through the years to draw attention to these provisions because of their importance to our members.
The Windfall Elimination Provision reduced Social Security benefits for those who receive pensions from public-sector jobs. The Government Pension Offset decreased spousal or survivor benefits for retired public-sector workers who did not pay into Social Security.
Thus, the passage of the act will mean increased Social Security benefits for many OPERS members and retirees who worked some of their careers in the private sector, as well as for some of their beneficiaries. The bill’s language calls for back payments to be made to January 2024.
Passage of the Social Security Fairness Act will have no impact on your OPERS benefits.
We recommend that members refer to the Social Security Administration’s website for information about when benefit amounts will change or back payments might be issued. In its latest update, Social Security says it is “evaluating how to implement the Act. We will provide more information as soon as available.”
Michael Pramik
Michael Pramik is communication strategist for the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and editor of the PERSpective blog. As an experienced business journalist, he clarifies complex pension policies and helps members make smart choices to secure their retirement.
Thank you OPERS and Senator Brown for his tireless work in getting this passed. I have been waiting 11 years for this and are thankful for President Biden signing into law.
After years of letters and phone calls finally it gets pass. Now when do they start pay us ?
I have seen nothing saying when they will actually start paying us. Is there any information on that?
Dan,
Refer to the Social Security Administration’s website, as outlined in the blog.
Woohoo! 🎉 Extra cash in my Social Security check? I’m definitely not complaining! Thinking about all the fun things I can do with a little extra padding in my wallet. At least twenty years left living. Sounds like lots of fun, sounds pretty amazing to me! #retirement #socialsecurity #blessed
Will this happen automatically or do we have to call SS and present ourself as one of those affected to begin the process?
Thank you
Molly,
Your question is answered by Social Security in the link provided in the blog. If you haven’t applied for Social Security, you’re advised to do so. If you have, the Social Security Administration says, “you do not need to take any action except to verify that we have your current mailing address and direct deposit information if it has recently changed.”
I filed for Social Security effective 2-1-2025 , because the law was signed on 1-6-2025. You said in this newsletter they are evaluating how to implement the Act. I wonder if I applied to soon??
John,
Social Security has to answer questions about implementation. Regardless, the provisions now cease to exist.