For decades, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduced Social Security benefits for retirees who also received pensions from non‑covered employment. Teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public employees were among those most affected. WEP lowered retirement benefits, while GPO reduced spousal and survivor benefits.
Critics argued these rules unfairly penalized workers who had contributed to Social Security at some point in their careers. The repeal of WEP and GPO marks a major shift in retirement policy. Here’s what you need to know.
