The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (HR 82), which became law on Jan. 5, 2025, repealed two provisions that reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for certain retirees. Specifically, the law repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which in some instances reduced Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security. The law also repealed the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which in various instances reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own.
The best and most direct source for information on how this may affect you is the Social Security Administration. Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website for details and updates or call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit SSA's HR 82 webpage, which includes an option to sign up for email updates.
Of important note: your TRS benefit payments are not affected by Social Security.
Please note: If you are a recent retiree, after your retirement has been processed and you have received your first annuity payment, TRS can verify the date you were first eligible for a TRS retirement benefit and the amount of your benefit if the Social Security Administration is requesting this information. If you need this information, contact TRS and request the "TRS Benefit Information" form (TRS 562).