Windfall Elimination Provision (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.
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) was a Social Security rule that reduced retirement or disability checks for people who also collected a pension from a job — like some teaching, police, or firefighting roles — where they did not pay Social Security taxes. WEP changed how the Social Security Administration figured a person's Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which often led to a smaller monthly check than the worker expected. The Social Security Fairness Act, signed January 5, 2025, repealed WEP. Anyone whose benefit was cut by WEP should now get a higher monthly check and may also receive back pay for missed amounts going back to January 2024. The Social Security Administration is updating records and sending payments in batches; some people may need to wait several months for their full adjustment. You do not need to apply — SSA is doing the work automatically — but you can check your my Social Security account online to confirm your new amount.
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who paid into a city pension instead of Social Security saw his Social Security retirement check go up after WEP was repealed.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
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No. The Social Security Fairness Act repealed WEP on January 5, 2025.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