For decades, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for millions of public workers who also earned pensions. Teachers, firefighters, and police officers were among the hardest hit. But with the WEP and GPO finally repealed in 2025, these workers can now reclaim benefits they were long denied. The change could mean hundreds—or even thousands—more in monthly income. However, the repeal also means it’s time to double-check your records and act quickly to ensure you receive what you’re owed.
1. Confirm Your Work History and Pension Details
Your Social Security payment is based on your earnings record, while your pension is calculated separately. Now that WEP/GPO are gone, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will need both sets of records to verify your eligibility and benefit amount. Log into your my Social Security account and confirm all years of earnings are accurately listed. If your state or agency didn’t report past wages to SSA because of the WEP, contact your pension administrator to request updated documentation. Having proof of your employment and contribution history will help speed up any recalculations.
2. Request a Recalculation from the SSA
With WEP and GPO gone, the SSA is expected to automatically adjust affected benefits—but don’t assume yours will happen instantly. Delays are likely due to the large number of recalculations. You can submit a formal “Request for Reconsideration” if you believe your current payment still reflects WEP/GPO reductions. Keep copies of your pension statements and prior SSA benefit letters for comparison. If you’re retired, check your direct deposit for any “retroactive adjustments” once recalculations begin.
3. Understand Which Benefits Are Restored
The repeal removes penalties for those who earned both a non–Social Security pension and Social Security-covered work. Under the old rules, WEP reduced Social Security benefits for retirees with mixed employment histories, while GPO cut spousal and survivor benefits. Now, both are fully restored. For example, a retired teacher who previously lost $500 per month due to WEP could see their full benefit reinstated. The SSA estimates that over 2 million retirees will gain from the repeal, though individual amounts vary based on lifetime earnings.
4. Coordinate With Your Pension System
State and municipal pension funds—like CalSTRS, CalPERS, and local firefighter or police pension boards—will also be updating how they report to the SSA. Contact your pension office to confirm they’ve received guidance on the new rules. Some states may need to reissue tax documents or benefit statements to reflect adjusted income. Coordination matters because inaccurate pension data could delay your Social Security correction. Ask if they’ll automatically send updated information to SSA or if you’ll need to provide it yourself.
5. Prepare for Tax Implications
An increase in Social Security income may bump you into a higher tax bracket or make more of your benefits taxable. The IRS taxes up to 85% of Social Security benefits depending on total income. With restored benefits, many retirees will owe more next April unless they adjust their withholdings now. Use the IRS’s Tax Withholding Estimator to forecast your new tax situation. Consulting a financial advisor familiar with public pensions can also help optimize your withdrawals and avoid surprises.
6. Review Survivor and Spousal Benefits
Under the old GPO rules, surviving spouses of public employees often lost most—or all—of their Social Security payments. The repeal means those benefits now return in full. If your spouse previously received a reduced or denied survivor benefit, contact SSA to reopen the claim. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) advises filing immediately to ensure retroactive payments are included. Couples should also update their estate plans to reflect the new financial picture.
A Long-Awaited Win for Public Servants
For retirees who spent years feeling penalized for serving their communities, the repeal of WEP and GPO marks a historic victory. But celebration should come with careful review—every teacher, firefighter, and public worker should verify their benefits and taxes this year. Don’t assume the system will get it right automatically. Reclaiming your full Social Security entitlement is too important to leave unchecked. Have you verified whether your benefits will increase under the repeal?
Are you a retired public employee affected by the WEP/GPO repeal? Share what steps you’re taking to confirm your new Social Security benefits below.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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