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Published: 12/02/2021
More than 2.5 million people dedicated to public service, including many educators, have their Social Security benefits reduced—or lose them entirely—due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
- The WEP reduces the Social Security benefits of people who work in jobs covered by Social Security and jobs NOT covered by Social Security over the course of their careers—for example, educators compelled to take part-time or summer jobs to make ends meet.
- The GPO reduces—or eliminates—the Social Security spousal or survivor benefits of people who also get a pension based on federal, state, or local government employment NOT covered by Social Security.
Help ensure that educators get the Social Security benefits they’ve earned. Ask Congress to fully repeal both the GPO and WEP.
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VOTE YES on the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82)
Submitted on 09/19/2022
Bills in Congress
Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
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Support
S 597 Social Security Fairness Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 03/01/2023
A bill that would fully repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) that deprive 2.5 million educators and other dedicated public servants of Social Security benefits they have earned.
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Support
Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 www.congress.gov
Introduced on 02/13/2023
A bill that would enhance Social Security benefits and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.
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Support
HR 82 The Social Security Fairness Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 01/09/2023
A bill that would fully repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) that deprive 2.5 million educators and other dedicated public servants of Social Security benefits they have earned.
Helpful Resources
WEP Calculator
If you are expecting to receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security, it may reduce the amount of Social Security benefits we can pay you.
GPO Calculator
The Government Pension Offset, or GPO, affects spouses, widows, and widowers with pensions from a federal, state, or local government job. It reduces their Social Security benefits in some cases.
Talking Points
These bullet points break down GPO and WEP and the bills that would repeal them.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
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Learn more about NEA-Retired
Now more than ever the commitment continues. Learn how NEA-Retired works to meet the needs of retired education employees (like Sam Evelyn Rock from the Chattanooga Hamilton County Retired Teachers Assn in Tennessee at right) and how to join.
