Blumenthal Applauds New Law Expanding Social Security Benefits for Public Sector Retirees

[Hartford, CT] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) applauded President Joe Biden’s signing into law of the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act. The legislation would restore full Social Security benefits for teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other public servants by repealing two provisions of current law, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions unfairly reduce the Social Security benefits that public employees receive. The legislation was approved by the Senate and House during the 118^th Congress.

“The President’s signature marks a monumental step toward Social Security Fairness, aptly our bill’s name, correcting a 50 year old mistake. No longer will public service retirees – teachers, police, firefighters and others – be denied their full, fair Social Security benefits simply because they’re receiving another pension. More than 30,000 Connecticut recipients will see hundreds of dollars added to their checks, some additional amounts as high as $1,000. It’s real money for people who’ve done real public service,” said Blumenthal. “This long sought, overdue justice is a testament to the relentless fight of workers and their advocates – including unions that never backed down. I’ll continue to work for other reforms like Social Security 2100 to assure that this bedrock financial insurance program remains solvent and keeps pace with inflation and needs of recipients.”

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is working to implement the law. Those who are already receiving their reduced Social Security benefit do not need to take any action at this time except to verify that SSA has their current mailing address and direct deposit information if it has recently changed. Most people can do this online with their personal my Social Security account without calling or visiting Social Security. If an individual is receiving a public pension and is now interested in filing for benefits, they may file online at ssa.gov or schedule an appointment.

In Connecticut, repealing the WEP will affect over 22,000 Social Security beneficiaries and repealing the GPO will affect nearly 10,000 Social Security beneficiaries, according to reports from the Congressional Research Service.

Blumenthal and Congressman John Larson (CT-01) have previously introduced the Social Security 2100 Act, which in addition to repealing the WEP and GPO, also provides an across-the-board benefit increase, improves the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to reflect seniors’ true costs, and provides the Social Security Administration with resources to improve customer service. The bill would enhance Social Security benefits for the first time in more than 50 years.  

-30-