The Social Security Fairness Act, officially known as HR 82, was signed into law on January 5, 2025. This landmark piece of legislation addresses two significant provisions in the Social Security system: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. The primary objective of the Act is to eliminate reductions in Social Security benefits for individuals entitled to public pensions from work not covered by Social Security.

For those who have previously filed for Social Security benefits and experience either partial or full offset due to these provisions, it's essential to know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently evaluating how to implement this Act. At this time, you don't need to take any immediate action. However, it's crucial to ensure that your current mailing address and direct deposit information are up-to-date with the SSA. Most individuals can verify and update this information conveniently online through their personal my Social Security account. There's no need to call or visit a Social Security office for these updates. Stay tuned for ongoing updates regarding the Act’s implementation on the SSA's official page.

If you haven't filed for Social Security benefits yet but are receiving a public pension, you might want to consider applying for benefits. Filing can be done easily online on the SSA website, or you can schedule an appointment if you prefer to handle the process in person.

As the SSA progresses with the evaluation and implementation phases, more information will be provided to ensure that all eligible individuals can benefit from this Act without unnecessary delays or complications. The passage of the Social Security Fairness Act represents a significant change, aimed at delivering fairer outcomes for retirees receiving public pensions.