Big Changes for Public Employees: What the Repeal of WEP and GPO Means for Your Retirement
For decades, it felt like the system forgot them.
Teachers who worked summers to make ends meet. Firefighters who paid into Social Security through side jobs. Nurses and city workers who served their communities—only to find their retirement benefits slashed by two obscure rules few outside government circles even knew existed: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
That ended on January 5, 2025, when President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, repealing WEP and GPO once and for all.
And for millions of public employees across the U.S., everything just changed.
A Long-Overdue Victory
Here’s what’s new:
WEP and GPO are gone—retroactive to benefits payable as of January 2024.
One-time lump sum payments are being issued to make up for 2024 reductions.
Monthly Social Security benefits are increasing—with changes starting in April 2025.
According to the National Education Association, the average affected retiree could see an increase of $360/month—but for some, it could be over $1,000/month.
What This Means for People
We recently spoke with a retired schoolteacher. Like many public employees, she split her career between a pension-eligible job and various Social Security-covered positions—summer jobs, tutoring gigs, weekend work.
Still, when retirement came, her Social Security check was slashed—penalized under WEP for her years of public service.
Now? She is getting a retroactive payment covering all of 2024 and a significant increase in her monthly benefit going forward.
“It’s not just money,” she told us.
“It’s breathing room. It’s dinners with my grandkids. It’s saying yes again.”
What You Need to Know
Here’s the timeline and what to expect:
Increased monthly benefits begin in April 2025, reflecting March benefits.
Impact will vary based on your unique situation: pension amount, Social Security history, and benefit type.
If WEP or GPO ever reduced your Social Security benefit, you may now be owed more.
Next Steps: Your Retirement Just Got a Raise—Now What?
Take these three steps today:
Check Your Records: Log in to your mySocialSecurity account to ensure your earnings and pension data are accurate.
Contact the SSA: If you haven’t seen a change or want clarity on what you’re owed, reach out directly.
Talk to Your Advisor: Lump sums and higher monthly income may affect your tax planning, estate strategy, or Medicare premiums. A solid plan will help you make the most of this unexpected boost.
Final Thoughts: Justice, at Last
For years, public employees were asked to give more and accept less. The repeal of WEP and GPO is more than a policy change—it’s a long-overdue recognition of service and sacrifice.
And while no law can repay decades of diminished retirement income, this is a powerful step toward fairness.
The retirement landscape has shifted. Now’s the time to shift with it.
Whether you’re a public servant or know someone who is, this isn’t just a financial update—it’s a new chapter in your retirement story. Revisit your plan. Reclaim your benefits. And let yourself feel the relief, pride, and possibility you’ve earned.
At EQ Private Wealth Advisors, we specialize in helping people navigate life’s transitions with clarity, purpose, and precision. Whether you're a retired educator, public employee, or business owner, our approach blends tax strategies, retirement income planning, and real human conversations. We don't just run the numbers—we help you understand them, feel confident in your decisions, and make the most of what you've earned. To dive deeper into how we think and how we serve, check out my partner Peter’s article: “From Tax Efficiency to Total Exit Strategy: One Business Owner’s Journey to Confidence”
If this shift affects you—or someone you care about—don’t navigate it alone.
We’ll help you make sense of it all and maximize the opportunity.
Wishing you all the best.
Blake Curtin, CFP ®
EQ Private Wealth Advisors
