Social Security Fairness Act boosts benefits for 3 million retirees
Millions of retired teachers, police officers, firefighters, and public service workers will finally see bigger Social Security checks. Thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law in January 2025, an estimated 3 million retirees are receiving benefit increases this year.
What is the Social Security Fairness Act?
The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two controversial rules: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
Both provisions had long reduced Social Security payments for workers who also earned pensions from non-Social Security-covered jobs, like public school teaching or law enforcement.
The WEP could cut monthly benefits by hundreds of dollars. The GPO reduced or even eliminated spousal and survivor benefits.
Advocacy groups and unions had pushed for repeal for decades. Congress finally passed the Fairness Act with bipartisan support.
How much more are retirees getting?
The Social Security Administration says the average affected retiree will see a monthly increase between $200 and $400, depending on work history and pension amounts.
For some couples, restoring spousal or survivor benefits could mean an extra $500 or more each month.
The payment changes started rolling out in April 2025 and will continue through July as the SSA processes backlogs.
Who qualifies for higher payments?
You likely qualify if:
- You worked a job not covered by Social Security (such as a state or local government job)
- You receive a government pension from that job
- You had your Social Security benefits reduced under WEP or GPO rules
Even if you retired years ago, you are still eligible for a benefit adjustment under the new law.
If you are not sure whether the change applies to you, the SSA encourages you to check your records online or call 1-800-772-1213.
How to claim your corrected benefits
Most retirees do not need to take any action. The SSA is automatically reviewing and adjusting accounts affected by the law.
However, if you believe you were missed or your benefit is incorrect, you can:
- Log into your My Social Security account to check your updated benefit amount.
- Call the SSA’s national helpline for assistance.
- Visit your local SSA office with pension and work history documents if needed.
Corrections can take several months, but retroactive payments will be included once processed.
Background you should know
The Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset were passed in the 1980s to “balance” benefits for workers with mixed earnings histories.
Critics said the formulas were unfair and harmed middle-class retirees who dedicated their lives to public service.
The repeal is one of the biggest Social Security changes in years and represents a rare bipartisan success on retirement policy.
Lawmakers say the Fairness Act will help millions of retirees afford housing, medical care, and other essentials as living costs continue to rise.