The Fraternal Order of Police has secured a long-fought victory with the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, ensuring that law enforcement officers and other public servants receive the benefits they have rightfully earned. National FOP President Pat Yoes recently shared a significant update on the expedited timeline for implementation, which will begin the week of February 24, 2025.

What You Need to Know

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that retroactive payments and increased monthly benefits will soon be distributed to those impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Initially expected to take 12–18 months, the process has been fast-tracked to provide relief much sooner.

Key Updates:

✅ Retroactive Payments – Those entitled to back payments will receive a one-time deposit into the bank account SSA has on file by the end of March 2025. This will cover the increase in benefits dating back to January 2024, when WEP and GPO were officially repealed.

✅ Monthly Benefit Increases – Starting April 2025, Social Security payments will reflect the adjusted full benefits for those previously affected by WEP and GPO.

✅ SSA Notifications – The SSA will send official notices to individuals receiving adjustments or retroactive payments, outlining their updated benefits.

With more than 3 million beneficiaries impacted, the SSA will process most cases automatically. However, some cases will require manual review due to individual complexities.

What Comes Next?

While this is a major milestone, it is critical that the SSA follows through on its commitments and ensures a smooth implementation for all affected. The FOP remains vigilant in ensuring that law enforcement officers receive the benefits they have earned without unnecessary delays.

For more details on this update, visit the SCFOP Q&A page: Social Security Fairness Act Q&A

For additional resources, visit:
? SSA’s website: ssa.gov
? National FOP Bulletin on the Social Security Fairness Act: FOP Bulletin

This achievement is a testament to the power of FOP unity and advocacy, proving once again that when we stand together, we make a difference.