The passage of the Social Security Fairness Act marks a transformative milestone in the fight for retirement security, equity, and fairness for educators and public servants nationwide. This landmark legislation, signed into law by President Joseph Biden on January 5, 2024, repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). By ensuring that retirees receive the full benefits they have earned, this act represents a monumental step toward creating a more stable and equitable future for countless Americans.
Understanding WEP and GPO
For decades, the WEP and GPO unfairly reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for many public servants. The WEP penalized individuals who worked in jobs not covered by Social Security but also had substantial earnings in jobs where they paid into the system. It reduced their Social Security benefits, punishing them for their dedication to public service careers. The GPO, meanwhile, affected those who received government pensions and were also eligible for spousal or survivor benefits. It significantly diminished or entirely eliminated these benefits, disproportionately impacting women and retirees in education and other public service fields.
These provisions created a profound inequity, leaving many retirees facing financial insecurity despite decades of service. The Social Security Fairness Act corrects these injustices, ensuring that public servants and educators receive the full benefits they rightfully earned.
The Legislative Journey to Justice
The Social Security Fairness Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on November 12, 2024, and by the U.S. Senate on December 20, 2024. It then received President Joseph Biden’s signature on January 5, 2024, officially becoming law. This legislative victory ensures the elimination of the WEP and GPO, allowing all retirees who paid into Social Security to receive their full entitlements.
The act’s passage is the culmination of years of tireless advocacy by retirees, unions, and legislative allies. It highlights the power of persistence, demonstrating that sustained efforts for fairness can yield transformative change.
Champions of the Act
The passage of this law was made possible through the steadfast support of our legislative partners. Their dedication to ensuring retirement security for public servants was instrumental in achieving this victory.
U.S. Senators:
Richard Durbin
Tammy Duckworth
U.S. Representatives:
Jonathan Jackson (1st District)
Robin Kelly (2nd District)
Delia Ramirez (3rd District)
Jesús “Chuy” García (4th District)
Michael Quigley (5th District)
Sean Casten (6th District)
Danny K. Davis (7th District)
Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District)
Jan Schakowsky (9th District)
Brad Schneider (10th District)
Bill Foster (11th District)
Nikki Budzinski (13th District)
Lauren Underwood (14th District)
Eric Sorensen (17th District)
Special recognition is also due to Local 1600’s Retiree Chapter, whose grassroots advocacy and direct engagement with lawmakers helped build momentum. Their determination and tireless work serve as a testament to the power of retiree and union activism in shaping public policy.
The Power of Collective Action
The Social Security Fairness Act is more than a legislative triumph; it is a testament to the strength of collective action. Across the country, educators, retirees, and union members rallied, called, and wrote to their representatives, ensuring their voices were heard. This collective effort reinforced the message that retirement security is not a privilege but a right for those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
The law’s enactment is a vivid reminder that progress is possible when individuals unite around a shared cause. It demonstrates the enduring power of solidarity in advancing policies that prioritize equity and fairness.
Implementation and Next Steps
Signed into law by President Biden, this victory resonates far beyond its immediate beneficiaries, underscoring a broader commitment to fairness and equity in our nation’s policies. While the Social Security Fairness Act is now law, details about its implementation process remain uncertain. We are actively engaging with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) to gain clarity on the steps retirees need to take to benefit from this new legislation. As we receive direction and updates, we will communicate them promptly to ensure our retirees can take full advantage of the rights and benefits this law guarantees. Stay tuned for further guidance as we navigate this next phase together.