WASHINGTON, D.C. – 5/23/24 – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Social Security Fairness Act, legislation to ensure that American public servants and their families receive full Social Security benefits.
The bipartisan, bicameral legislation was introduced by Representatives Garret Graves (LA-06) and Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) and has 319 additional cosponsors, 53 of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Spanberger and David Valadao (CA-22).
The legislation would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) from the Social Security Act. The WEP reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who receive a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security, while the GPO reduces benefits for surviving spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own. These provisions unfairly reduce or eliminate Social Security benefits for three million Americans, including police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other public servants who have dedicated their careers to serving their communities.
The Social Security Fairness Act marks the latest in a series of Problem Solvers Caucus endorsements of legislation supporting law enforcement officers and their families. During the 118th Congress, the Caucus also endorsed the Invest to Protect Act, which would create and fund a grant program to support small law enforcement agencies. The Problem Solvers Caucus also endorsed the Providing Child Care to Police Officers Act, legislation that would establish funding for local law enforcement child care facilities throughout the country.
“All Virginians and Americans across our country who dedicated much of their careers to public service deserve the Social Security benefits they have paid into throughout their careers. But right now, millions of Americans are being denied their full benefits due to the WEP and the GPO — two provisions which unfairly reduce public servants’ benefits,” said Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-07). “After hearing for years from police officers, firefighters, educators, federal employees, and postal workers, I’ve been proud to help lead the Social Security Fairness Act to make sure no American is penalized for their public service. I’m encouraged to have the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus on this commonsense legislation that is supported by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.”
“The WEP and GPO unfairly reduce the benefits of hard-working Americans who had jobs in the public sector,” said Congressman David Valadao (CA-22). “The Social Security Fairness Act will right this wrong and ensure our public servants who have paid into the system receive the full Social Security benefits they deserve. I’m proud to be a co-sponsor and I’m glad the Problem Solvers Caucus is endorsing this bipartisan bill to strengthen Social Security.”
“All federal workers, including police officers, firefighters, and teachers, deserve their full Social Security benefits,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “As co-chair of the bipartisan Problems Solvers Caucus and a co-sponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act, I am pleased our caucus has endorsed this bipartisan legislation that would give millions of these workers the benefits they rightfully accrued during their years of service to the federal government.”
“I’m glad that the members of the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse the Social Security Fairness Act, which will ensure that those who devote their careers to service — teachers, firefighters, cops, and more — can access both their pension and Social Security benefits at retirement,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “We should never penalize someone for pursuing a career in public service.”
“Many of our first responders retire in their 40’s and 50’s, and then they start second careers where they pay into Social Security. They should be able to receive the Social Security benefits that are commensurate with the level they paid into the system. It’s their money and they are deserving of it,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02).
“Our retired teachers and firefighters, among other public retirees, are losing thousands of dollars a month because of this horrible policy,” said Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01). “This is their money and they deserve it back. It should have happened years ago.”
“From Day One, I have pledged to protect our nation’s Social Security commitments and ensure this vital program remains strong for future generations,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). “That’s why I was proud to co-sponsor the Social Security Fairness Act, which will eliminate the government pension offset – ensuring spouses, widows, and widowers who receive government pensions would never see their Social Security cut as a result. I am pleased that this bill has received the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus – a testament to the bipartisan support for protecting these hard-earned benefits.”
“Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and teachers serve our communities every day and deserve our recognition and support,”?said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40).?“That’s why I support the Social Security Fairness Act to allow them to receive Social Security benefits they have rightfully earned. I’ll always be a loud voice for our seniors.”
“Teachers, police officers, firefighters and emergency responders are the public servants who keep our communities running. They should receive every penny in Social Security payments they’re entitled to. I’m proud to see the Problem Solvers Caucus endorse the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act to ensure all our public servants and their spouses receive the retirement security they deserve,” said Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02).
“Safeguarding Social Security and other important safety net programs for Americans has been a priority of mine since day one in Congress, which is why I am proud to co-sponsor the Social Security Fairness Act,” said Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04). “This bipartisan legislation eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision as well as the Government Pension Offset from the Social Security Act and will help increase Social Security benefits for millions of federal workers in the process, including many teachers and brave first responders. The Social Security Fairness Act is commonsense legislation that I am proud to enthusiastically endorse.”
“For decades, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) have undermined the retirement security of millions of teachers, law enforcement, and public servants,” said Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21). “That is why, I am pushing for the Social Security Fairness Act to fix this long-standing inequity. All Americans deserve to receive the benefits they have earned and deserve.”
“Our seniors’ Social Security should never be a political bargaining chip. They worked hard, and they deserve the benefits that they were promised,” said Congressman John James (MI-10). “The Social Security Fairness Act is an important step in assuring that our seniors are not unfairly punished and prevented from receiving the benefits they are owed. I will always stand up for our seniors and assure that their benefits are protected.”
“The WEP and GPO provisions do not eliminate a windfall for workers—instead it’s a windfall for the government who are keeping money paid into the Social Security system by these dedicated public servants. That’s not right and it’s not fair! It is time that this legislation finally gets a vote on the House floor. Passing the Social Security Fairness Act would make a real difference in the lives of our nation’s retired public servants,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police. “We are grateful to all the members of the Problem Solvers Caucus for taking part in correcting this injustice for public servants.”
The full text of the bill can be found here.
The Problem Solvers Caucus, which is Co-Chaired by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), has sixty-two Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.
TAKE ACTION: Tell Your Senator To Repeal WEP/GPO Ahead of Hearing
NARFE: The Senate Finance Subcommittee on Social Security holds a field hearing on WEP/GPO on June 7 at 10 a.m. in Columbus, OH. This field hearing marks a significant stride on the Senate side for the repeal bill, S. 597, and follows considerable progress made with House Bill H.R. 82 at 320 cosponsors as of June 4 and a second House Ways and Means Committee hearing in April.
Your involvement is crucial in this effort. Contact your senators to request they urge the Senate Finance Committee to support and advance S. 597. This will help ensure that we continue this momentum and make significant strides toward repealing these unfair provisions.
View NARFE’s statement for the record from President William “Bill” Shackelford.
Thank you for your support and dedication to fighting for the benefits of federal retirees and working to end WEP/GPO on behalf of NARFE
As a Postal Employee, we paid into SS, Medicare A was deducted from our checks, but we were not allowed to use it until about the 70’s when a Lawsuit was done. The pay for Federal employees was low and many had to work a second Job to get ahead, and all those quarters were paid into SS. Then in the eighties we had 60% of our SS stolen to help bailout SS. No other Pensions were affected, but ours.
WEP happened to me also..it is so unfair. I retired in 2018 as a civil service employee. Worked other jobs just to get my SS credits which I did. But, now SS has reduced my benefits. This needs to repeal and SS needs to give us our monies back each month.
Do illegal aliens who paid NOTHING into Social Security not receive benefits at OUR expense?!!! My cesspool doesn’t stink as bad as the government of the United States!!!
Yes and no. What I have seen is states providing benefits for them – especially California, NYC, etc. Read at the following for an overview. Keep in mind, as I stated, certain states provide benefits, and the cost is paid by USA citizens. Rick @ PEN
https://immigrationforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Immigrants-and-Public-Benefits-FINALupdated.pdf
I worked 28 years paying into Social Security. My job was outsourced and I was forced to find other employment which I did, in State Government, which does not pay into SS. I will lose two thirds of my SS Benefits which I paid into and it is very unfair to be penalized. Please repeal this very unfair take back. It will push more people into poverty with inflation continuing at a very high rate and the cost is not coming down. Instead of receiving $1500 plus a month, I will receive $273.00, please repeal and stop the madness. Still working because I cannot afford to retire once SS takes everything away.
I am a retired reservist military member who served 23 years and the military and me paid into SS. I had several deployments. Anyway since I retired under the CSRS federal retire plan my SS falls under the WEP program as well plus the promised free health care expired when turned 65. only can get VA AND Medicare part A at no cost. I have to pay for part B . If I don’t pay for medicar part B. Than I have to pay 10% for every 12 months that I do not enroll. That another Obama scam as welll.
Repeal the GPO and WEP!! I worked in education for over 30 yrs.and retired. My deceased husband paid social security. I can no longer receive his social security.
I worked for the post office for 28 years, but took an early buy out since they were downsizing. I do not have enough credits for social security (only 30) but I tried to get some from my husband’s social security. but social security told me I would receive nothing since he is retired and I make more on my pension. Last year I was diagnosed with stiff person disorder (not curable) and my husband is trying to get disability since he is blind in one eye and had prostate cancer. The medical bills are tremendous. I have to go to infusions 5x a month and get three bottle of ivigs which cost $35000 a bottle. The extra money I would get from social security would be a blessing. The wep and gpo bills must be repel, now especially since we contributed to it
I am 69 year old retired postal worker. I started working for the Postal Service in 1978 and retired in January 2013 after serving 35 years. During those years I contributed $94,000 of my own money into my pension, for which I am now receiving monthly pension checks. I’ve also been contributing into Social Security since 1971 to the present, between 5.1% – 6.2% of my salary from other jobs. I was working two and three jobs at times, including the Postal Service to supplement my income. For the last 12 years, I have been working for the Department of Education in New York City as an Assistant Teacher with Special Ed children. I also still have a part-time job and,of course, I still pay Social Security tax to both jobs.
When I went to the Social Security office 5 years ago to find out how much I would receive at age 66 the agent informed me I would receive $850 a month. I felt at the time it was a fair and reasonable amount being that I had worked for 16 years full-time and 31 years part time for a total of 47 years towards Social Security benefits which excluded my Postal Service employment. The agent proceeded to check on something with her supervisor. When the agent returned she informed me that because of the Windfall Elimination Provision I would NOT be receiving $850 a month, but In fact would be receiving $336 a month. I would be penalized 60% or $514 a month for the rest of my life. Then, I thought to ask about the spousal benefit my wife has been contributing and Social Security for 49 years. I should be entitled to half of her benefit if I waited for her to collect, correct?
The answer was, I would be entitled to $0! Zilch !! Nothing!!!
Also, because of GPO.
There are spouses who never worked a day in their life nor contributed a cent to Social Security, but are guaranteed 50% of their spouses benefit or as much as $2097 a month. Is there something that I am missing here or not aware of?
Granted, there are government workers who never contributed to Social Security. I, for one, did not put into Social Security for my employment with the Postal Service. I did, however, put in Social Security for over 40 years from other employment and should be entitled to my fair share.
I have been fighting stage 4 pancreatic cancer and the additional income would greatly help my family and I.
I feel that I should not be penalized because of my government pension which I had also contributed to separately.
These laws must be amended!!!
Steve – you are 100% accurate. IT IS NOT FAIR.
Like you I retired from USPS with 35 years’ service…BUT, I also worked part time jobs during my postal career and paid social security. In 2007, when I retired, they told me the same thing they told you…$850.00 per month. But they never told me that it would be reduced to $301.00 per month due to WEP – I had to phone them and ask what was going on. It is totally not fair. I did not know about the spousal benefit.
Wesley Dalton
Repeal the GOP and WEP I have worked many years paying into social security working two jobs and also worked in public Servies also and always held a second job when working in public Servies. My wife worked 30 plus years under social security and never got to receive on her social security claim. She passed away September 09,2023 and when I applied for widower’s benefits, I wasn’t intitled due to my public pension all I got was a death benefit of $250. All I Can Say Is for Decades we the people hard-working Americans working in the public and private sector have their social security cut or taken away completely (I chose to work the public and private to live comfortably at Retirment) did not work out that way. REPEAL, REPEAL, REPEAL BOTH THE WEP and THE GOP that law is GROSSLY unfair.
Can this really be legal to take money from someone who has spent their entire adulthood working to only have to give part of it to Social Security? This is the most stupid thing I have heard politicians do. What next? Make all people work 2 jobs and give the money over to social security for the 2nd job?
Why don’t you pick on someone who actually has money and wouldn’t miss giving some to Social Security. Picking on us is unfair. It should actually be against the law to take money from people who actually earn this money, I did not work 20 something years to make less than $660.00 a month. I had planned out my retirement and was informed of the amount I would received. Social Security made a mistake and told me I would have to pay this money back to them even though I was the one who earned it.
We have been discussing who could give money to Social Security and it wasn’t the people you have gathered. I don’t like people stealing from me and this is exactly what SS has done. If you don’t contribute to Social Security you shouldn’t receive any. Maybe then people will get off their asses and go to work and I wouldn’t have to work 2 jobs to pay you money.
No one has mentioned that as a teacher/Instructor we have tuition to pay for also. So we are coming up very short on money when it is all added up. I have spent a lot of money of degrees to have social security reduce my money. What about the time spent going to school, the gas expense and meals while out in class or medical clinicals.
As far as it being unfair, well I say million-airs, politicans and a lot of others get per-diem dollar amounts to spend. I think this is unfair. Let them give up something. Politicans should not expect a large salary. You make more than I do so this is unfair, just as I worked 2 jobs so I could have a decent retirement and you want to take 2/3 of it from me. This is work I did. I got up every morning and went to work and made money for me. Can I get money from you just because I think you are getting too much money.? Well at least I worked for mine. When a company, government or any agency can take money from you because they think you make too much that is stealing. If I have to give up 2/3 of my SS money then you better be ready to give up 2/3 of your money to try to make it more equal as you say. This needs to be taken care of NOW before it leads to bad things.
My husband worked 2-3 jobs to give his family a better life than just his firefighter job would provide, it is terribly unfair to reduce the amount of social security he receives from these other jobs , when he paid his fair share into social security just like everyone else!
We agree totally. But our government doesn’t want to lose their cash cow. Sick!
Repeal the GPO AND WEP. It is grossly unfair. I paid into it as did my husband. I list these benefits because I chose teaching as a late in life career