WEP & GPO

How the WEP & GPO Repeal Impacted Social Security Beneficiaries

Verified against SSA POMS as of September 16, 2026

The short answer

Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) were repealed on January 5, 2025. This repeal restored full Social Security and Railroad Retirement Board tier-I benefits to individuals previously reduced due to WEP and GPO. Those affected include retirees with non-covered pensions, as well as their spouses, divorced spouses, and widows/widowers. Benefits were restored retroactively for months after December 2023.

Summary of the WEP & GPO Repeal

The Social Security Fairness Act, effective January 5, 2025, repeals the WEP and GPO provisions. This legislative change impacts Social Security and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits previously reduced due to these provisions.

Source

RS 01601.125 View source ›

Source

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html

Effects on Social Security Benefit Recipients

With the repeal, those who had their Social Security or RRB benefits reduced due to WEP and GPO can now receive the full amount of their Social Security or Railroad tier-1 benefits for months following December 2023. This affects retirees receiving non-covered pensions and their family members.

Source

RS 01601.125 View source ›

Source

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html

Groups Impacted by the Repeal

The repeal primarily impacts retirees who have non-covered pensions and are receiving Social Security or RRB benefits. Spouses, divorced spouses, and widows/widowers who were previously subject to reductions or eliminations also benefit from the repeal.

Source

RS 01601.125 View source ›

Source

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html

Frequently asked

What is the WEP & GPO repeal?

The repeal refers to the removal of provisions that reduced Social Security and RRB benefits for those with non-covered pensions and their families.

Who benefits from the WEP and GPO repeal?

Retirees with non-covered pensions, alongside their spouses, divorced spouses, and widows/widowers, benefit from the repeal as their full benefits are restored.

When did the WEP & GPO repeal take effect?

The repeal took effect on January 5, 2025, impacting benefits from months after December 2023.

How does the WEP repeal affect my benefits?

If your benefits were reduced by WEP, you would receive the full, unreduced tier-I benefit for months following December 2023.

Reviewed by: Jim Blair. · Source data last verified: September 16, 2026, against the live SSA POMS. · This page is part of the ARPI Knowledge Base and is reviewed on a quarterly cycle for accuracy against current SSA guidance.

The Advanced Retirement Planning Institute (ARPI) Knowledge Base provides authoritative educational reference material based on SSA POMS, CFR Title 20, the SSA Handbook, CMS regulations, and Medicare.gov guidance. Not individualized legal, financial, or benefits advice — verify current rules with the Social Security Administration or Medicare.gov before making filing decisions.