Month: January 2025

The Social Security Fairness Act Increases Benefits for Millions [2025]

Social Security Card. article title: The Social Security Fairness Act Increases Benefits for Millions

Under the Social Security Fairness Act signed by President Biden on January 5, 2025, almost 3 million Americans will receive a boost to their Social Security benefits.1 This bill, which had bipartisan support, restores full Social Security benefits to some public-sector employees, including teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and others who have been affected by two provisions of current federal law — the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).

Although the increased benefit amount for individuals will vary, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that eliminating the GPO will increase monthly benefits for 380,000 impacted spouses by $700 on average and by $1,190 on average for 390,000 impacted surviving spouses. Eliminating  the WEP will increase monthly benefits for approximately 2.1 million impacted individuals by $360 on average. 2

Those affected will be entitled to higher benefits starting in January 2025. Individuals who received benefits in 2024 will also be entitled to back payments equal to the difference between what they received in 2024 and what they would have received without a GPO or WEP reduction.

Some background

Both the GPO and the WEP were originally intended to equalize benefits for those who receive Social Security benefits based on a job where they contributed to  Social Security through payroll taxes (covered employment) and a pension from a job where Social Security payroll taxes were not withheld (noncovered employment).  For decades, advocates for reform have been trying to change or repeal these provisions, arguing that they are unfair and cause  financial hardship.

Enacted in 1977, the GPO has affected spouses and surviving spouses who receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government or non-U.S. employer based on noncovered employment and who also qualify for Social Security benefits based on their spouses’ work histories in covered employment. The GPO reduces Social Security spousal or widow(er) benefits by two-thirds of the amount of the pension. The reduction was intended  to help ensure that the spousal and widow(er) benefits of those with covered or noncovered lifetime earnings would be about equal.

Enacted in 1983, the WEP has affected individuals who receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits based on their own covered employment (if fewer than 30 years) and a pension from noncovered employment. The Social Security benefit formula is progressive, meaning it replaces a greater share of career-average earnings for lower-paid workers than for higher-paid workers. The WEP was passed so that workers receiving pensions from noncovered employment would not receive higher  benefits because the Social Security benefit formula did not count their noncovered earnings, making it appear as if they were lower-paid workers. A modified formula was implemented to figure benefits for those affected by the WEP, resulting in lower monthly Social Security benefits; the reduction was limited to half of the amount of the pension.

While advocates of the bill are cheering, opponents of the bill are concerned that repealing  the GPO and the WEP will worsen the outlook for the combined Social Security trust funds. According to a CBO cost estimate, the depletion date for the combined Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) trust funds  could be pushed forward about six months, potentially leading to a substantial reduction in Social Security benefits for all beneficiaries even sooner than expected, unless Congress acts to address the impending trust fund shortfall.3

What happens next?

If you’re among those affected, be aware that implementing benefit changes may take some time, according to a message from the Social Security Administration:

“At this time, the Social Security Administration is evaluating the law and how to implement it. We will provide more information on our website, ssa.gov as soon as it is available. If you are already entitled, you do not need to take any action at this time except to verify that we have your current mailing address and direct deposit information. If you are receiving a public pension and are now interested in filing for benefits, you may file online at ssa.gov or schedule an appointment.”4

The SSA notes that you can verify your current mailing address and direct deposit information online without calling or visiting a Social Security office by signing in to a personal my Social Security account or creating one on the SSA website.

Final Thoughts

Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement for millions of Americans. The updates for 2025, including the elimination of GPO and WEP, bring significant opportunities for retirees to secure their financial future. By staying informed and planning ahead, you can maximize your benefits and achieve peace of mind. Visit our planning page today to get started on your customized plan!

 

1–3) Congressional Budget Office, September 2024

4) Social Security Administration, December 2024

 

Implementing benefit changes may take some time. The Social Security Administration will post updates on its site, ssa.gov.

 

Social Security in 2025

2025 day planner. Article title: Social Security in 2025

 What You Need to Know

As 2025 begins, significant updates to Social Security are taking effect. Whether you’re already receiving benefits or planning for retirement, understanding these changes is crucial to make the most of this vital program. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates and what they mean for you.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

For 2025, Social Security recipients will see a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This increase helps benefits keep pace with rising inflation, ensuring retirees maintain their purchasing power. For the average retiree, this means a monthly benefit of approximately $1,976.

Maximum Taxable Earnings

The maximum income subject to Social Security taxes has increased to $176,100 for 2025. This means individuals earning above this threshold will not pay Social Security taxes on income beyond this amount.

Earning Credits for Retirement

To qualify for Social Security benefits, you need to earn work credits. In 2025, you’ll need to earn at least $7,480 to obtain all four credits for the year. Each credit represents a step toward eligibility for benefits. You need 40 to qualify.

Elimination of GPO and WEP

One of the most impactful changes in 2025 is the elimination of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). These provisions previously reduced Social Security benefits for individuals who received pensions from non-Social Security-covered employment. With their removal, retirees and surviving spouses affected by GPO and WEP will now receive their full Social Security benefits, providing greater financial security.

Income Limits for Early Retirees

If you’re under your full retirement age (FRA) and still earning income while receiving Social Security, there are income limits to be aware of:

    • You can earn up to $23,400 annually without a reduction in benefits.
    • If you exceed this limit, $1 will be withheld for every $2 earned above the threshold.
    • In the year you reach FRA, the limit increases significantly to $62,160, and only $1 is withheld for every $3 earned above this amount.
    • After reaching FRA, there is no reduction in benefits, no matter how much you earn.

Taxation of Benefits

Regardless of your age, part of your Social Security benefits may be taxable if your income exceeds certain thresholds. For instance:

    • If your individual income exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 for joint filers, up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable.
    • Higher income levels could result in up to 85% of your benefits being taxable.

Final Thoughts

Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement for millions of Americans. The updates for 2025, including the elimination of GPO and WEP, bring significant opportunities for retirees to secure their financial future. By staying informed and planning ahead, you can maximize your benefits and achieve peace of mind. Visit our planning page today to get started on your customized plan!