Navigating the Social Security Fairness Act: Steps Federal Employees Should Take to Maximize Their Benefits

After years of advocacy and debate, the Social Security Fairness Act is now law, repealing two long-standing provisions that reduced retirement income for countless federal employees: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

This landmark legislation is a historic win, restoring full Social Security benefits for millions of federal retirees, surviving spouses, and others who were unfairly penalized simply for serving in government roles not covered by Social Security.

But while this is cause for celebration, the repeal also brings new questions: What does this change mean for you, and what should you do now to ensure you receive everything you’re entitled to?

WEP and GPO Explained: What Were They?

Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)

WEP reduced your own Social Security retirement or disability benefit if you also received a pension from work not covered by Social Security, such as CSRS employment.

Government Pension Offset (GPO)

GPO reduced or eliminated your spousal or survivor benefits if you received a government pension not covered by Social Security. For many spouses, this meant receiving nothing at all.

With the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, both WEP and GPO have been eliminated, restoring full Social Security benefits to those previously impacted.

Social Security Recalculations: What to Expect After WEP and GPO

If You’re Already Retired

You may be eligible for a recalculation and a monthly Social Security benefit increase. SSA is expected to begin reviewing affected cases, but it may take time.

Action Step: Log in to your my Social Security account or contact the SSA to verify whether your benefit will be adjusted.

If You Were Previously Denied Spousal or Survivor Benefits

The repeal of GPO means you may now qualify for benefits that were once denied. This could be a substantial new income stream.

Action Step:

• Contact SSA to review your eligibility.

• File a new application or request reconsideration.

• Prepare documentation regarding your pension and marital history

If You’re Still Working or Nearing Retirement

With the WEP and GPO repeal, your Social Security income projection may increase, giving you more flexibility in your federal retirement strategy.

Action Step:

• Revisit your retirement income plan using updated calculators.

• Incorporate your full Social Security benefit into your TSP and pension drawdown strategy.

• Work with a financial professional familiar with federal benefits

Next Steps for Federal Employees After WEP and GPO Repeal

Step 1: Review or Create Your mySSA Account

This is your central hub to check earnings, track benefit estimates, and ensure updates are applied correctly.

Tip: Double-check your earnings history, especially if you worked in both covered and non-covered jobs.

Step 2: Request a Recalculation

If WEP previously reduced your benefit, you may now qualify for a higher monthly amount—and possibly retroactive payments.

Ask SSA About:

• Adjusted benefit amounts

• Recalculation timelines

• Potential back pay

Step 3: Update Your Retirement Timeline

A higher benefit may allow you to adjust your planned retirement age, delay Social Security to increase your payout, or reduce withdrawals from your TSP.

Step 4: Reevaluate Your Claiming Strategy

Now that WEP is gone, delaying Social Security benefits may be more rewarding. This strategy works well if:

• You have other income (like a pension)

• You expect a longer lifespan

• You want to increase survivor benefits for your spouse

Step 5: Discuss Spousal Benefits

Have a conversation with your spouse or survivor about what this means for your household:

• Can your spouse now qualify for Social Security?

• Should one of you delay claiming to maximize benefits?

• Are survivor benefits now available?

Step 6: Update Your Financial Plan

This change could shift your entire retirement income mix. Revisit:

• Budget forecasts

• Withdrawal strategies

• Long-term savings goals

Step 7: Stay Informed and Act Quickly

The Social Security Administration is expected to implement changes gradually. Stay updated via:

• SSA.gov

• Webinars and retirement seminars

• Your federal HR office or retirement advisor

What This Means for Federal Employees

This long-overdue repeal is a game-changer for thousands of federal workers and retirees, especially CSRS employees and those with mixed service histories. The elimination of WEP and GPO means:

• More accurate and complete Social Security benefits

• Greater household income for surviving spouses

• A simpler, fairer retirement planning process

FedAdvantage Is Here to Help

Whether you're wondering how much more you might receive, need help reapplying for benefits, or want a complete retirement income review, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us to understand your new benefit eligibility, claiming strategy, and retirement timeline under the updated rules. For more retirement planning tools and insights, visit the FedAdvantage Financial Library.