Last month we celebrated the historic signing of the Social Security Fairness Act, legislation FMA advocated in support of for many years, repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Now we turn to implementing it. We know you have questions, including when it will take effect and what you need to do to receive these benefits.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is working on its implementation plan and “cannot yet provide an estimated timeframe” for when it will adjust the benefits for people who were impacted by the GPO and WEP. We at FMA will continue to monitor developments and keep you apprised as we learn updated information. SSA also confirms, per the legislation, December 2023 is the last month WEP and GPO will apply, meaning those rules will not apply to benefits payable for January 2024 and later.

Finally, on its website SSA indicates “What action you need to take depends on your situation and on what type of benefits you qualify for,” based on:

• If you never applied for retirement, spouse's, or surviving spouse's benefits because of WEP or GPO;

• If you are not sure whether you ever applied for retirement, spouse's or surviving spouse's benefits; or,

• If you are entitled to retired or disabled workers' benefits, and your benefits are currently being reduced by WEP; OR if you are entitled to spouse's or surviving spouse's benefits, and your benefits are currently being reduced or eliminated by GPO

SSA encourages you to verify the mailing address and direct deposit information the agency has on file for you to help process benefits changes. Visit your account online at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to review and edit.