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Landmark Social Security Fairness Act Brings Relief to Alaska’s Public Servants

Landmark Social Security Fairness Act Brings Relief to Alaska’s Public Servants

After years of dedicated advocacy, your work has delivered a significant victory for Alaska’s educators and public servants. The Social Security Fairness Act, repealing the long-standing Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), was signed into law by President Joe Biden in January 2025. This landmark legislation, a key goal of NEA-Alaska and the broader Alaska labor movement, will provide much-needed relief to countless Alaskans, as our state is among the most impacted by these outdated federal penalties.  

A Bipartisan Effort

The repeal of WEP and GPO enjoyed strong bipartisan support. Senators Lisa Murkowski, along with former U.S. Representative Mary Peltola, were instrumental in this effort. Though, passage would never have happened without the years of advocacy, solidarity and collective action. 

Senators Murkowski and Sullivan, recently demonstrated their commitment to Alaska’s public servants and joined 27 of their Senate colleagues in urging the Social Security Administration (SSA) to “provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO” through the swift implementation of the new law.

Understanding WEP and GPO

For those unfamiliar with these provisions, the WEP and GPO were federal Social Security penalties that unfairly reduced the benefits of individuals who had also earned public sector retirement benefits.  

  • Government Pension Offset (GPO): The GPO reduced Social Security spousal or widow(er) benefits by two-thirds of the amount of the government pension. For example, if someone received a $600 monthly pension from a government job where they didn’t pay Social Security taxes, their Social Security spousal or widow(er) benefit would be reduced by $400.  
  • Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): The WEP reduced the Social Security benefits of public employees who had worked in a public sector job but also had employment covered by Social Security.  

What Happens Now? Navigating SSA’s Benefit Changes

The SSA is currently in the process of implementing the Social Security Fairness Act, which will restore benefits to those affected. This process is expected to take several months as the SSA updates records for retirees impacted by WEP and GPO.  

Key Information for Beneficiaries:

  • Eligibility and Application: Understanding your eligibility and the application process is crucial to receiving your entitled benefits. If you haven’t applied for benefits due to WEP or GPO, now may be the time to do so. Each case is unique, and your application date could influence your benefits.
  • How to Apply:
    • For retirement or spouse’s benefits, apply online at ssa.gov/apply.  
    • Survivor benefits applications are not available online. Call 1-800-772-1213 and mention “Fairness Act” to connect with a trained representative.  
    • Ensuring Accuracy: Review your mailing address and direct deposit information online at ssa.gov/myaccount to expedite any benefit adjustments.
  • Implementation Timeline:
    • Starting the week of February 24, 2025, SSA is beginning to pay retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payments.  
    • Retroactive payments, covering the increase in benefits back to January 2024, will be deposited into beneficiaries’ bank accounts by the end of March.  
    • Most affected beneficiaries will see their new monthly benefit amount in their April 2025 payment (for March 2025).  
    • Affected beneficiaries will receive mailed notices from the SSA explaining the benefit changes or retroactive payments. Please note that there may be multiple notices.  
  • Important Notes from SSA:

A Victory for Alaska’s Public Servants

The passage of the Social Security Fairness Act represents a significant victory for Alaska’s public servants. This legislation will provide much-needed financial relief to those who have dedicated their careers to serving our communities. Stay informed and ensure your information is up-to-date with the SSA to receive your full entitled benefits.

Matt Moser – NEA-Alaska – Government Relations and Community Outreach Director

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