Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) — WEP
A rule that used to lower Social Security benefits for people who also got a pension from work that did not pay into Social Security.
Official source: ssa.gov
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) was a Social Security rule that used to reduce retirement or disability benefits for people who also received a pension from a job where they didn't pay Social Security taxes — like many teachers, police officers, and firefighters in certain states.
**WEP has been repealed.** The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law on January 5, 2025, permanently eliminated WEP along with the related Government Pension Offset (GPO). If WEP previously reduced your Social Security check, your benefit should now be higher.
**What this means for you if WEP affected your benefit:** - Your monthly payment should have increased automatically - You may also be owed back pay going back to January 2024 (when the law's effective date starts) - The Social Security Administration is processing these increases in batches — if you haven't seen your increase yet, check your mySSA account or call SSA directly
**If you were previously denied Social Security or chose not to apply because WEP made benefits too small to bother:** It's worth reapplying or checking your estimated benefit now. WEP's elimination can restore thousands of dollars per year to affected workers and their families.
In real life
- A retired teacher in Texas got a smaller Social Security check because of WEP for years; in 2025 her benefit was raised and she got back pay.
- A firefighter who paid into a city pension instead of Social Security saw his Social Security retirement check go up after WEP was repealed.
- A federal worker hired before 1984 with a CSRS pension is now eligible for full Social Security on her side jobs.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)
Is WEP still in effect?+
No. The Social Security Fairness Act repealed WEP on January 5, 2025. SSA is recalculating affected benefits and paying back pay to January 2024.
Do I have to apply to get my higher check?+
No. The Social Security Administration is updating accounts automatically. Make sure your address and bank info are current at ssa.gov.
How do I know if WEP was reducing my benefit?+
If you worked in a job that did not pay Social Security tax (some state or local government jobs) and your check was lower than your statement showed, WEP probably applied.
Where can I get help?+
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html.
Source: ssa.gov