The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has reported on The Social Security Administration (SSA) announcing a major update for retirees impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
Beginning Feb. 24, the SSA will issue lump-sum payments to retirees penalized by the two provisions. As the Social Security Fairness Act applies retroactively, this payment returns withheld benefits from January 2024 onward and will be paid directly into retirees’ bank accounts on file. Payments are expected by the end of March.
SSA will also begin adjusting new monthly benefit totals for retirees. With Social Security payments being paid out a month behind (i.e., January benefits are received in February), most retirees can expect to see their increased benefits by the end of April.
IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly shared: “Retired fire fighters, police officers, teachers, and others have waited long enough to get the full benefits they earned and paid into.
“We’re glad to see the Social Security Administration has sped up their process and will now be getting payments out to retirees in a matter of weeks, not years.
“These increased benefits will make a real and tangible difference in the lives of millions of retirees across the country.”
The IAFF has spoken on the impact of the SSA announcing larger Social Security payments for retirees impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly said the increased benefits will make a real and tangible difference in the lives of millions of retirees across the country.
