Additional Coverage:
Social Security Benefits Expanded for Millions
A major bill expanding Social Security benefits passed the U.S. Senate with overwhelming support. The Social Security Fairness Act aims to eliminate policies that prevent about 3 million Americans from receiving full benefits.
These policies, known as the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), reduce benefits for retirees who also receive pensions from state or federal jobs not covered by Social Security.
The Senate vote is a culmination of decades of advocacy by public service workers and their supporters. The bill is now headed to President Biden for his signature.
Bill’s Impact
The legislation would repeal both the WEP and GPO, restoring full benefits to affected retirees, including teachers, firefighters, postal workers, and police officers. It would also benefit surviving spouses and family members.
An estimated 2 million Social Security beneficiaries are affected by the WEP, while nearly 800,000 retirees are impacted by the GPO. The bill has bipartisan support, with 49 Democrats and 24 Republicans voting in favor.
Cost and Concerns
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the legislation would increase federal deficits by $195 billion over a decade. Some Republican lawmakers expressed concerns about the cost, but the bill ultimately passed with a strong majority.
If the Senate had not approved the bill before the end of its current session, it would have had to be re-introduced in the next Congress.