South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police

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Social Security Fairness Act Q&A

Historic Victory: The Social Security Fairness Act

The repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) marks a monumental step forward for public employees, including law enforcement officers, ensuring fairness and financial stability for millions of Americans.

Understanding the Act

The Social Security Fairness Act addresses long-standing inequities caused by WEP and GPO:

  • WEP penalized public employees with mixed employment histories, reducing their Social Security benefits by up to 60%.
  • GPO offset spousal and survivor benefits, depriving many surviving spouses of benefits they deserved.

By repealing these provisions, the Act ensures public employees receive the full Social Security benefits they earned.

What’s Next?

The Act, passed by both the House and Senate, is expected to be signed by President Biden on January 6, 2025. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will implement the changes, effective for benefits accrued after December 2023. Implementation timelines may face delays due to ongoing government operations.

Who Will Benefit?

This legislation will positively impact:

  • Retired public employees penalized by WEP.
  • Surviving spouses affected by GPO offsets.
  • Future retirees who will avoid these unjust provisions.

The Role of the FOP

For over three decades, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has led the fight to repeal WEP and GPO. This victory highlights the power of perseverance, grassroots advocacy, and unity among law enforcement officers.

Stay Informed

  • Open a my Social Security account to track your benefits and ensure accuracy. Visit ssa.gov/myaccount for details.
  • Watch for updates as the SSA implements the changes.

A Brighter Future

This victory underscores the nation’s commitment to fairness and respect for public servants. The repeal of WEP and GPO not only rectifies an injustice but also ensures financial security for millions of Americans, including countless law enforcement officers. Together, we celebrate this milestone and remain committed to advocating for justice and equality for all public employees.

Review the National FOP Q&A Flipbook [ here ]