Social Security Fairness Act Q&A

National Fraternal Order of Police

Updated: 1/24/2024 - This document will be updated frequently.

PLEASE NOTE:

The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law by President Biden and

January 5, 2025.

This information is provided as a courtesy to help understand potential changes

to benefits when the Social Security Fairness Act be enacted.

The Act will require implementation by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The timeline for implementation is currently unknown, especially considering the

following factors:

• The holiday season.

• The Federal government is operating under a Continuing Resolution (CR) through

March 14, 2025.

• A potential partial government shutdown in March could further delay

implementation.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

National

Fraternal Order of Police

Executive Board

Patrick Yoes

President

Joe Gamaldi

Vice President

Jimmy Holderfield

Secretary

James Smallwood

Treasurer

John Hoyt

Vice President

Steve James

Sgt at Arms

Rob Pride

Chairman of Trustees

James Pasco

Executive Director

DISCLAIMER:

This overview is provided as a general informational resource to assist members in understanding changes associated with

the passage of the Social Security Act. It is not intended to serve as legal, financial, or professional advice. For personalized

and precise details regarding how these changes may impact you, we strongly recommend contacting the Social Security

Administration directly. Their representatives can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your

individual circumstances and participation in the Social Security system.

Stay informed about your

Social Security benefits! Opening

a my Social Security account is a

simple and secure way to track

your benefits progress, review

your earnings record, and ensure

everything is accurate.

Here’s how to get started:

Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

1. Click “Sign In or Create an

Account.”

2. Follow the prompts to create

your account or log in if you

already have one.

Take control of your

financial future today—it only

takes a few minutes!

Open your personal

Social Security Account

Historic FOP Victory: The Repeal of WEP and GPO

For over four decades, public servants across

America have endured an inequity that denied them and their

families the Social Security benefits they rightfully earned.

I am proud to announce that the passage of the Social

Security Fairness Act marks the end of this injustice. The Windfall

Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset

(GPO) have been repealed, representing a monumental step

forward in fairness and equality for public employees.

The Fraternal Order of Police has been at the forefront of this fight from

the very beginning. This victory is not just a legislative achievement; it is a

testament to the power of perseverance and unity. The FOP’s role in this

monumental effort cannot be overstated. At every level of our organization,

from the national, state and local lodge’s leadership and individual members,

we worked tirelessly to create and sustain the undeniable momentum that

forced Congress to confront this injustice. This victory is a direct result of the

strength, resilience, and commitment of FOP members across America who

never wavered in their pursuit of fairness.

The journey to this historic moment has been long and arduous.

Since the WEP and GPO were enacted in the 1980s, they have unfairly

penalized public employees who also worked jobs covered by Social Security.

These provisions reduced benefits by up to 60% for those with mixed

employment histories and deprived surviving spouses of their rightful benefits.

What was intended to address "windfalls" instead created severe financial

hardships for those who devoted their careers to serving their communities.

This landmark legislation will have a transformative impact on the lives of more

than 4 million Americans and their families. By eliminating these provisions, we

are ensuring that retired public servants, including countless law enforcement

officers, receive the full Social Security benefits they earned through years

of dedicated service. For many, this will mean a significantly improved

quality of life, financial security, and peace of mind in their retirement years.

This victory would not have been possible without the collaboration

and support of key individuals and organizations. We extend our deepest

gratitude to Representatives Graves and Spanberger, who championed

this cause in the House, and to Senator Sherrod Brown, whose unwavering

determination drove the bill forward in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader

Chuck Schumer’s strategic guidance and commitment to fulfilling his

promise played an invaluable role in securing this legislative triumph.

We also thank Senators Susan Collins and Bill Cassidy, whose

bipartisan leadership helped build the broad support needed to pass the

Social Security Fairness Act. Additionally, Senator Amy Klobuchar’s

steadfast advocacy was instrumental in achieving this milestone. We are

also grateful to Senator Kyrsten Sinema who was the bill’s quarterback on

the Senate floor and executed our successful strategy.

Our partners in the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), led

by General President Ed Kelly, stood shoulder to shoulder with us throughout

this fight, demonstrating the strength of our alliance on critical issues

affecting our members. The International Association of Chiefs of Police also

provided crucial support, working closely with us to advance this legislation.

Finally, we recognize the pivotal role played by President Biden, who

committed to signing this bill into law, and President-elect Trump, whose

timely intervention provided crucial momentum at a key juncture. Their

leadership underscores the bipartisan commitment to correcting this

longstanding injustice.

Patrick Yoes

National President

Fraternal Order of Police

National Fraternal Order of Police