Cape News

With the recent repeal of Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), Congress is seeking clarity from the Social Security Administration (SSA) on how it plans to implement this change. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith of Missouri and Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Ron Estes of Kansas have addressed a letter to SSA Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin, urging immediate action.

"The Committee on Ways and Means has devoted significant time and attention to examining the WEP and GPO, two flawed policies that impact the Social Security benefits of millions of public servants throughout the country," stated Smith and Estes in their letter. They emphasized that "the passage [of the Social Security Fairness Act] is a clear, bipartisan, and overwhelming representation of the will of Congress."

The lawmakers are pressing for details on how SSA will ensure timely relief for those affected by these provisions. They request information on guidance for beneficiaries and any additional resources needed by SSA to facilitate swift implementation.

The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025, repealing WEP and GPO effective December 2023. These provisions, enacted in 1983, impacted state and local government employees such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, as well as federal employees with pensions exempt from Social Security payroll taxes.

Smith and Estes have been at the forefront of addressing these issues through numerous hearings over recent years. Their efforts aim to alleviate burdens imposed by WEP's reduction in benefits for certain beneficiaries entitled to both Social Security benefits and non-covered employment pensions. Similarly, GPO sought to mirror dual entitlement rules for those contributing to substitute plans.