Will Biden Sign the Social Security Fairness Act? Find Out Soon!
Big news for retirees! President Biden is gearing up to sign a groundbreaking piece of legislation that will extend full Social Security benefits to nearly 3 million hardworking Americans. This monumental moment is finally here, thanks to relentless advocacy and decades of effort.
Introducing the Social Security Fairness Act—a game-changer that aims to obliterate two outdated federal policies that have unfairly barred former police officers, firefighters, postal workers, teachers, and other public servants from receiving the Social Security benefits they’ve rightly earned. This legislation is about more than just numbers; it’s about justice, recognition, and fairness for those who dedicate their lives to serving our communities.
“The Senate has taken a monumental step to correct a 50-year oversight,” declared Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after the bill sailed through Congress on December 21, just before the curtain fell on the 118th Congress.
Insiders from organizations representing our brave firefighters and police officers are buzzing with anticipation, having received word that President Biden is set to officially sign this bill into law. A signing ceremony is on the calendar for Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, as confirmed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO). However, as with any presidential schedule, changes could happen at any moment.
Edward Kelly, the IAFF’s general president, has been at the forefront of this fight and has received a personal invitation to the signing ceremony. “The IAFF has tirelessly championed this cause, and Mr. Kelly has been a steadfast advocate on Capitol Hill for the repeal of the WEP and GPO,” an IAFF spokesperson shared with CBS MoneyWatch.
NAPO’s leaders are also in the loop, having been notified by the White House about this historic event, generating excitement among its members.
Shannon Benton, the executive director of the Senior Citizens League, hailed the bill’s passage as “a monumental victory for millions of public service workers who have been denied the full benefits they’ve rightfully earned.” She added, “This legislation finally restores fairness to the system and ensures that the dedication of teachers, first responders, and countless public employees receives the recognition it deserves.”
Benton has been in direct contact with congressional staffers confirming that the signing is indeed happening on Monday.
The White House has yet to respond to any requests for comment, but the momentum is undeniable!
What is the Social Security Fairness Act?
The Social Security Fairness Act is poised to repeal two long-standing federal policies—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—that have unjustly reduced Social Security payments for nearly 3 million retirees. This includes individuals who draw pensions from state and federal jobs that do not contribute to Social Security, such as teachers, police officers, and postal workers. The bill also aims to restore full benefits to surviving spouses and family members of these workers. The WEP impacts around 2 million Social Security beneficiaries, while the GPO affects nearly 800,000 retirees.
Senate hearings on these policies began back in 2003, and while the bill garnered bipartisan support, it faced some last-minute pushback from a few Republicans due to concerns over costs. According to the Congressional Budget Office, enacting this legislation is projected to add a staggering $195 billion to federal deficits over the next decade. Yet, supporters like Louisiana Republican Bill Cassidy argue that addressing Social Security’s funding issues shouldn’t come at the expense of our dedicated retirees.
When will the Social Security Fairness Act take effect?
Once this vital legislation is signed into law, it will be retroactive for Social Security payments starting in January 2024. This means eligible recipients who previously received only partial benefits will finally start seeing full payments retroactive to January of last year. However, getting this right may take some time, as calculating owed benefits isn’t always straightforward.
The Social Security Administration confirms, “The Social Security Fairness Act would eliminate the reduction of Social Security benefits for those entitled to public pensions from work not covered by Social Security.” They are currently evaluating how to implement the changes and promise to keep the public informed as details become available.
For Americans who previously filed for Social Security benefits that were partially or completely offset, there’s no need for additional action—just ensure the Social Security Administration has the correct mailing address and direct deposit information. Most people can easily verify this online through their personal my Social Security account without needing to call or visit in person. Simply head to www.ssa.gov/myaccount to sign in or create your account.
Workers holding a public pension who wish to file for Social Security benefits can do so online at ssa.gov or schedule an appointment for assistance.
