WEP, GPO update

Social Security says it’s now taking first-time applications over the phone

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Feb. 13, 2025 – Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset were repealed in early January, and the Social Security Administration recently issued guidance on how those with time in both the public sector and public sector should proceed.

The administration says it now will take an application by telephone for people who did not previously apply for retirement benefits because of the WEP, or for spouse’s or surviving spouse’s benefits because of the GPO.

If you meet those conditions, you’re encouraged to call 1-800-772-1213 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. When the system asks, “How can I help you today?” say “Fairness Act.” You’ll be asked a few questions, and your answers will help the administration connect you to a WEP-GPO-trained representative to take your claim.

The administration says you also may file online at the Social Security Administration’s website. (The survivor benefit is not available online.)

The WEP and GPO still apply to months prior to January 2024. In some instances, Social Security says, it may need to contact current beneficiaries to request the amount received for their pension from work not covered by Social Security to verify that it’s issuing correct benefits for these months.

The Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed the provisions, applies to the benefits that some OPERS members receive – those who also worked in the private sector and thus paid into Social Security retirement. These benefits include retirement or disability benefits, and also spouse’s or surviving spouse’s benefits on another person’s Social Security record.

There’s more information available on the Social Security’s website regarding the Social Security Fairness Act. Again, these were Social Security provisions, not OPERS provisions, and the only way you can receive the benefits you may be entitled to is to work through Social Security.

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.