What the 2025 Changes to WEP and GPO Mean for You
Learn how changes in the 2025 Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) due to the Social Security Fairness Act could impact your benefit.
If you’re receiving a government pension that reduces your Social Security benefits, or if you’re a spouse or survivor affected by these rules, major changes are coming your way in 2025. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) have long impacted retirees who worked in both public and private sectors. But thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, some long-overdue updates are on the horizon. Here’s what you need to know about these changes, when they take effect, and how you can make sure you’re receiving the benefits you deserve.
The Latest Updates on WEP and GPO
The Social Security Fairness Act has passed, but the biggest question is: When will you see an increase in your Social Security benefits?
According to the latest update from the Social Security Administration (SSA) as of February 25, 2025, here’s the timeline for these changes:
Retroactive payments – Starting the week of February 25, 2025, the SSA will begin issuing one-time retroactive payments to eligible recipients. These payments will cover benefits back to January 2024 (including January and February 2024).
Increased Monthly Benefits – Most beneficiaries affected by these changes will start seeing their higher Social Security payments in April 2025. Since Social Security is always paid one month behind, this means your benefit for March 2025 (which reflects the new rules) will be deposited in April.
Make Sure Your Information Is Up to Date – If you’re expecting a retroactive payment or an increased benefit, log in to your SSA.gov account to ensure your banking details are correct.
Who Needs to Take Action?
Some retirees haven’t applied for Social Security because the WEP or GPO previously reduced their benefit to zero. If this applies to you, you may now be eligible for benefits—but you must apply.
If you haven’t applied for Social Security, do it now! The SSA will only issue benefits to those who have officially filed. If you assumed you wouldn’t qualify before, these changes could mean you’re now eligible.
Help others who may be affected – If you have friends, family, or former colleagues who didn’t file due to WEP or GPO reductions, let them know about these updates.
Stay informed – More details could be released in the coming months. Be sure to check SSA.gov for updates and follow our content for the latest Social Security news.
How Many People Will Be Affected?
The SSA is adjusting benefits for over 3 million people impacted by WEP and GPO. However, they will not automatically pay benefits to those who haven’t applied. This is why it’s crucial to check your eligibility and apply if you haven’t already.
If you’ve been waiting for these changes, now is the time to take action. Apply for benefits, verify your information with the SSA, and get ready for a long-overdue increase in your Social Security payments.
Next Steps
✔️ Check your Social Security account – Make sure your personal details and payment information are correct.
✔️ Apply for Social Security if you were previously ineligible due to WEP or GPO.
✔️ Stay updated – Follow our updates for more Social Security and retirement planning insights.
Big retirement mistakes can cost you thousands—don’t let missed Social Security benefits be one of them! Stay informed and make sure you’re getting the benefits you’ve earned.
Links:
- Sign up for Social Security: www.ssa.gov
- Social Security Fairness: Windfall Elimination (WEP) and Government Pension (GPO) | 2025 Law Passes!
- Social Security and Work: How Much Can You Make in 2025?
- Supercharge your Social Security Benefit with These 5 Tips
Connect With Jeremy Keil:
- Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel
- LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil
- Facebook: Jeremy Keil
- LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners
===
Disclosures
Videos/Podcasts/Blogs (media) published prior to June 30, 2025, were recorded and approved while the advisor was affiliated with Thrivent Advisor Network. These media reflect the advisor’s views and interpretations at that time. The information and disclosures contained in those media were believed to be accurate and complete as of the date of recording, but may not reflect current market conditions or Alongside, LLC, policies.
All content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice. Read below for current disclosures and potential conflicts of interest.
This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past Performance is no guarantee of future results.
Legal & Tax Disclosure
Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations.
Advisor Disclosures
Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC.
Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A.
The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.
For important disclosures visit: https://keilfp.com/disclosures/
===
Share:
View/Listen to Retire Today on: