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President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, a transformative measure that will significantly increase retirement benefits for millions of retired public servants, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers. The new law eliminates two provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—which had previously reduced Social Security payments for individuals also receiving public sector pensions.
Expanding Social Security Benefits
The legislation, which passed with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, aims to restore fairness to the Social Security system. President Biden emphasized the importance of economic security for hardworking Americans. “Americans who have worked hard all their life should be able to retire with economic security and dignity,” Biden stated during a signing ceremony at the White House.
The new law will boost monthly payments for more than 2.5 million retirees by an average of $360. Additionally, those who had previously received reduced benefits will receive retroactive payments for the shortfall dating back to December 2023.
READ ALSO: How the Social Security Fairness Act Could Benefit US School Teachers
Impact on Surviving Spouses
The Social Security Fairness Act will also provide relief for surviving spouses. Those who had their widow or widower benefits reduced will see an increase, with some families expected to see their monthly payments rise by an average of $1,190 by 2025.
This law represents a major victory for public sector unions, who have campaigned for years to end these unfair provisions. With the signing of the bill, retirees and their families will now receive the full Social Security benefits they’ve earned.
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