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Feb. 13, 2025 – Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset were repealed in early January, and the Social Security Administration recently issued guidance on how those with time in both the public sector and public sector should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The Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed the provisions, applies to the benefits that some OPERS members receive – those who also worked in the private sector and thus paid into Social Security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.
I have registered for my Social Security funds previously. I called SS to update my application.
Is there a time frame for this to begin?
Will it be retroactive to January 2025?
Pamela,
Social Security has a website link where it provides updates on the WEP/GPO process.
I worked for the County and paid into the Ohio Public employees retirement system starting in 1981 and did not pay into social security. I went on to work in the public system after approx. 9 years. They have not added monies from that time period into my social security. Is this an area I can submit an application for it to added to have those work credits added to social security or is this sector not included. I do not receive a retirement check from you.
Thank you
Regina,
We’ve never heard of any provision of Social Security law that would permit what you are asking. But you would have to check with the Social Security Administration.
I received an email supposedly from Social Security asking for information so that I can receive my new benefit amount under the Fairness Act. I suspect this is a scam and did not offer any of the information they requested. I don’t think SS would do this by email, so I am asking if this approach is legitimate, or am I right that it is a scam?
Vilas,
We are not sure what you received. But we did see this question and answer posted on Social Security’s website:
Q: Why did I receive a request from SSA regarding my pension amount?
A: WEP and GPO still apply to months prior to January 2024. (In) some instances, we may need to request the amount received for your pension from work not covered by Social Security to verify we are paying you correctly for these months. You do not need to contact us to report changes if this applies to you. If we need updated pension information, we will send a request for information to you.
If you have questions about an email you received from Social Security, we suggest you contact the Social Security Administration.