The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by President Biden on January 5, 2025, eliminates reductions in Social Security benefits caused by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

This law is particularly significant for ACERA Safety Members: Retired Safety Members currently receiving Social Security benefits alongside their ACERA pension may see an increase in their Social Security payments. Active and Deferred Safety Members who have not yet retired will also benefit from this change when they begin collecting Social Security in the future.

For most ACERA General Members, this law will likely have little to no impact unless they receive a pension from non-Social Security-covered employment outside of ACERA.

What Were the WEP and GPO?

• The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): This reduced Social Security benefits for retirees who earned a pension from employment not covered by Social Security, such as ACERA pensions paid to Safety Members who did not pay into Social Security.
• The Government Pension Offset (GPO): This reduced or eliminated Social Security spousal or survivor benefits for individuals receiving a pension from non-Social Security-covered employment.

What Does This Mean for You?

• For Retired Safety Members Already Receiving Social Security Benefits: Your benefits will no longer be reduced by the WEP or GPO. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is working on implementing this change.
• For Active or Deferred Safety Members Who Will File for Social Security in the Future: When you retire and collect Social Security benefits, they will no longer be reduced due to the WEP or GPO.

Will Your ACERA Pension Change?

No. Since the WEP and GPO did not reduce your ACERA pension, your ACERA pension will remain unaffected.

Do You Need to Take Action?

At this time, no action is required for members already receiving Social Security benefits. However, you should ensure the Social Security Administration has your current mailing address and direct deposit information, which you can update through your my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

If you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits but plan to apply, you may file online at www.ssa.gov/apply or schedule an appointment with the Social Security Administration.

Questions?

For more information about the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, visit www.ssa.gov or contact the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/ or 1-800-772-1213.