WEP & GPO
Understanding Retroactive Payments After WEP/GPO Repeal for Social Security
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 16, 2026
The short answer
The Social Security Fairness Act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) provisions effective January 2024. Benefits that were reduced due to WEP and GPO will be retroactively restored for months after December 2023.
Effects of WEP and GPO Repeal
The repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) means that individuals affected by these provisions will have their full Social Security and tier-I benefit amounts restored for months after December 2023. This includes individuals whose benefits were reduced due to receipt of a non-covered pension, as well as for future monthly benefit payments.
RS 01601.135 View source ›https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.htmlImplications for Railroad Retirement Beneficiaries
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) refers to the repealed provisions (WEP and GPO) as the non-covered service pension (NCSP) reduction and the public service pension (PSP) offset. With the repeal, affected railroad employees, spouses, divorced spouses, and widows/widowers will have their benefits retroactively restored for months post-December 2023.
RS 01601.125 View source ›Understanding Retroactive Payments
Retroactive adjustments will apply to months after December 2023. Beneficiaries will see an adjustment in their benefit amounts to what they would have received if the reductions had not been applied. The changes pertain to both retirement and survivor benefits previously declined or reduced under the WEP and GPO.
RS 01601.135 View source ›Frequently asked
What happens to my benefits after the WEP/GPO repeal?
Benefits previously reduced by WEP and GPO will be fully restored for months after December 2023 due to the repeal.
Will I receive back payments due to the repeal of WEP/GPO?
Yes, you will receive retroactive payments for the months after December 2023, restoring benefits reduced by WEP and GPO. However, if you never applied for benefits because of the full impact of the GPO, you will need to contact Social Security immediately and file an application to initiate the process.
Does the repeal affect future Social Security benefits?
Yes, future monthly benefits will be restored to exclude reductions from WEP and GPO.
How does the repeal impact Railroad Retirement beneficiaries?
RRB beneficiaries affected by NCSP and PSP reductions will have benefits restored retroactively and for future months.
Do I need to apply to have my benefits adjusted after the repeal?
For most eligible beneficiaries, adjustments due to the repeal of WEP and GPO will be made automatically. However, if you never applied for benefits because the full Government Pension Offset (GPO) previously eliminated your eligibility, you will need to contact Social Security immediately and file an application to initiate your benefits.