History of Social Security Fairness Act in Timeline

The Social Security Fairness Act is a proposed US law aiming to abolish the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). These provisions currently reduce Social Security benefits for certain public sector employees, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers, who also receive government pensions. The GPO affects spouses or survivors who receive government pensions, while the WEP affects individuals who worked in both Social Security-covered and non-covered government employment. Proponents of the bill argue that these provisions unfairly penalize public servants, while opponents express concerns about the financial impact of the repeal on the Social Security system. The Social Security Fairness Act has garnered bipartisan support, passing in the House in November 2024 and in the Senate in December of the same year, marking a significant step towards its potential enactment.

1983: Social Security Amendments of 1983 Enacted

In 1983, due to concerns about the Social Security system's financial stability, Congress passed the Social Security Amendments of 1983. This legislation introduced the Windfall Elimination Provision, impacting the benefit calculations for federal government employees, railroad workers, non-profit workers, and teachers.

December 2023: Amendments to Take Effect

Starting in December 2023, the amendments introduced by the Social Security Fairness Act, specifically those related to monthly insurance benefits (title II of the Social Security Act), are scheduled to become effective. The Commissioner of Social Security is tasked with adjusting primary insurance amounts to accommodate these changes.

2023: Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 Introduced

In 2023, the proposed legislation was officially named the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023".

May 1, 2024: Unspecified Event

As of May 1, 2024, an unspecified event related to the Social Security Fairness Act occurred. Further information is needed to provide a title and detailed description.

November 2024: Social Security Fairness Act Passes the House

In November 2024, the Social Security Fairness Act, aiming to repeal the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision, was passed by the House.