Social Security Fairness Act (WEP/GPO) FAQs

The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) was signed into law on January 6, 2025, and eliminates the Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The WEP reduced Social Security benefits for retirees who receive a pension for work not covered by Social Security, such as PERA-covered employment, while the GPO reduced or eliminated Social Security spousal or widow(er) benefits for these same individuals.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for implementing changes under the Social Security Fairness Act. The SSA said it has already begun issuing retroactive benefit payments and will increase monthly benefits for most affected beneficiaries in April. More complicated cases may require manual processing, which could take longer; visit ssa.gov for the latest information.

Yes, the Social Security Fairness Act applies to benefits payable in 2024 and beyond. The Social Security Administration is working to issue lump-sum back payments for affected beneficiaries dating back to January 2024.

No, the repeal of WEP/GPO only affects Social Security benefits; your PERA benefit is not affected by Social Security or any other benefits.

No, changes to benefit options after retirement are only allowed by Colorado law in very specific circumstances, such as marriage/divorce or the death of the designated cobeneficiary. See the Changing your Cobeneficiary or Benefit Option booklet for more details.

No, the bill does not make any changes to who contributes to Social Security; it only modifies how benefits are calculated. Most PERA members do not contribute to Social Security and that will remain the case going forward.