Social Security is a vital part of retirement for many Americans, and recent changes in federal law will significantly affect millions of beneficiaries. While the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 might have been smaller than expected, there’s good news for certain groups of people. A new law, known as the Social Security Fairness Act, promises to raise the Social Security checks of 3.2 million Americans. But there’s a catch: the changes won’t take effect immediately, and there are still some details to be worked out.
The Social Security Fairness Act and Its Impact
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by President Biden, is a bipartisan effort aimed at helping a specific group of Social Security recipients. The law repeals two important provisions: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions reduced the Social Security benefits of people who worked in certain government jobs and received pensions that were not covered by Social Security taxes.
For many workers such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, and some federal employees, these provisions meant a smaller monthly Social Security check. The WEP affected retired workers, while the GPO impacted their spouses or dependents. But thanks to the new law, these provisions are no longer in effect as of December 2023, so many people will see a significant increase in their benefits.
Who Will Benefit from the New Law?
The new law will benefit 3.2 million Americans who were previously affected by the WEP and GPO. This includes government workers who had non-covered pensions, as well as their spouses or dependents who relied on their Social Security benefits. With the repeal of the WEP and GPO, many people will see an increase in their monthly checks.
The exact amount of the increase will vary depending on the person’s work history, income, and how much the WEP or GPO reduced their benefits. For some, the increase might only be a few extra dollars per month, but others could see increases of $1,000 or more per month.
When Will These Changes Take Effect?
Although the Social Security Fairness Act has been signed into law, there’s still a lot of work to do before affected individuals start seeing these changes in their monthly payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) needs time to process the new information and adjust everyone’s benefits. It may take over a year for all affected individuals to start receiving their correct benefits, including any retroactive payments they are owed.
For many, the changes might not show up until 2026. Once the adjustments are made, people will begin receiving larger checks, and those eligible for retroactive benefits will receive a one-time payment.
What You Should Do While You Wait
While the SSA works on implementing the changes, it’s important for people already on Social Security to check their personal information. The SSA needs to have the correct mailing address and direct deposit details to make sure the changes are applied properly.
The easiest way to do this is by logging into a “my Social Security” account online. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create an account by answering some identity verification questions. Once your account is set up, you’ll be able to update your contact and payment details quickly.
Next Steps for Affected Individuals
The Social Security Administration will continue to share updates on how the changes are being rolled out. As the details get worked out, it’s important for people to stay informed. They can check the SSA website for updates, contact the SSA by phone or email, or even visit a local office to get personalized assistance.
Conclusion
While the changes brought about by the Social Security Fairness Act will ultimately lead to larger checks for 3.2 million Americans, it’s important to remember that the full impact won’t be felt immediately. It may take until 2026 before many individuals start seeing the benefits of this new law. But the long wait could be worth it for those who have been underpaid for years. It’s also a reminder that Social Security is an ever-evolving program, and changes like these can help ensure that everyone gets the benefits they deserve.
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