U.S. Social Security Fairness Act

Community

President Bident signed the U.S. Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) into law on January 5, 2025. 

The SSFA:

  • Does not impact benefits University retirees are eligible for under the Massachusetts OBRA, State Employees' Retirement System (MSERS/pension/defined benefit) plan or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP/defined contribution plan).
  • Repeals the federal Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) retroactive to January 1, 2024. 

WEP and GPO have historically reduced Social Security retirement income paid to many MSERS and ORP retirees, including University of Massachusetts retirees. Repeal of WEP and GPO will retroactively increase Social Security retirement payments due many University of Massachusetts retirees.

The Social Security Administration is evaluating how to implement SSFA and will provide information as soon as it becomes available. Monitor the federal SSFA website for updates.

 

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