This is the list of those who will receive more money from this year.
Thousands of retirees across the United States are already feeling the impact of the Social Security Fairness Act, which officially removes the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). If you previously saw your Social Security benefits reduced because you worked in a non-covered government job—or if you never applied for fear of losing money—this update could bring significant relief.
Why thousands of Americans are celebrating the Social Security Fairness Act changes in 2025
The elimination of WEP and GPO means retirees who held positions such as teachers, firefighters, or police officers in non-covered employment are no longer subject to benefit penalties. As of January 2024 (paid in February of that year), these reductions no longer apply, and many people saw their payments jump to the full rate. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has received more than 182,000 new applications since the law was passed, indicating just how many workers stand to gain.
Would you like to know if you qualify for these increased payments? The SSA confirms back pay will start from January 2024 for those who were receiving reduced benefits and for new applicants entitled to retroactive amounts. So if you were impacted by either WEP or GPO before December 2023, you could be in for a welcome surprise.
How to confirm if your Social Security benefits increased due to WEP and GPO repeal
If you already receive Social Security payments, you don’t have to do much—simply verify that your bank details and mailing address are correct. You can do this by logging in to your my Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213.
If all information is up to date, your increased benefit should appear automatically. Below is a brief table highlighting key groups and the action they might consider:
| Affected Group | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Retirees with reduced checks due to WEP | Confirm mailing and bank details with SSA |
| Disabled beneficiaries affected by WEP | Ensure SSA has current contact information |
| Spouses and surviving spouses impacted by GPO | Check if back payments are owed and verify updated benefits |
| Those who never applied due to WEP or GPO concerns | File a new application at ssa.gov/apply or call for survivor claims |
Remember, the effective date of your application will impact when your benefits start and the total amount you receive, so it’s wise not to delay.
What to do if you have never applied for Social Security because of potential reductions
If you avoided applying for Social Security in the past, this is your chance to act. Applications can be completed online at ssa.gov/apply, except for survivor’s benefits, which require a phone call to the SSA. Keep paying your Medicare premiums separately for now if you had to do so in the past, because you don’t want a gap in coverage. Once your higher benefit is processed, Medicare premiums will automatically deduct from your Social Security check.
By removing WEP and GPO, the Social Security Fairness Act is providing well-deserved support to retirees who spent years in public service. Whether you’ve already seen an increase or you’re just now applying, be sure to confirm that SSA has your current information and follow up on any pending back payments.