The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025, bringing significant changes that could impact your Social Security benefits. If you or your spouse have worked for an employer that did not participate in Social Security—such as a school district or government agency—you may now qualify for benefits that were previously reduced or eliminated.
What Changed?
Before this new law, two provisions—the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)—reduced or even eliminated Social Security benefits for certain workers and their spouses who earned pensions from non-Social Security-covered employment.
As of January 1, 2024, these rules no longer apply. If you were previously affected by GPO or WEP, you could now be entitled to a higher Social Security benefit—or even a retroactive payment for benefits you were unable to claim before.
Who Benefits from This Change?
Many individuals who worked in public service or whose spouses did—especially in education, law enforcement, and other government roles—were affected by these restrictions. If you or your spouse worked in a job that did not pay into Social Security but also had some Social Security-covered employment, you may be eligible for increased benefits.
For example:
- A retired teacher who previously could not collect spousal benefits due to the Government Pension Offset may now be entitled to full benefits.
- A farmer’s spouse who worked for a government agency and was affected by WEP may now see their retirement benefits increase.
What Should You Do?
If you were already receiving benefits, Social Security is recalculating your payments and issuing retroactive adjustments. However, if you were not collecting benefits but now qualify under the new law, you need to take action. Contact your local Social Security office as soon as possible to apply.
To verify your eligibility and update your information:
- Check your personal my Social Security account online at www.ssa.gov/myaccount
- Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and mention the "Fairness Act"
Why This Matters
At AgQuest Financial Services, we are committed to helping our customers and communities navigate financial changes that impact their future. Understanding your benefits and securing the income you're entitled to can make a significant difference in retirement planning and overall financial security.
If you or a loved one may be affected by the Social Security Fairness Act, take action today. Ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve is a crucial step toward financial stability and peace of mind.
For more financial insights and risk management solutions, contact AgQuest Financial Services—your trusted partner in financial security.