Wichita Standard

With the recent repeal of Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), the Social Security Administration (SSA) faces demands for clarity on how it plans to deliver relief to those affected by these policies. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Missouri) and Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) have addressed a letter to SSA Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin, urging immediate action.

"The Committee on Ways and Means has devoted significant time and attention to examining the WEP and GPO, two flawed policies that impact the Social Security benefits of millions of public servants throughout the country, including holding two hearings on these provisions during the 118th Congress," stated Smith and Estes in their letter. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring that "the Social Security Administration implement the law as quickly and as smoothly as possible."

The committee's efforts have included more hearings over the past two years than any other Congress in two decades. The letter requests that Acting Commissioner Colvin provide detailed plans on how beneficiaries will receive their due benefits without delay or undue burden. It also seeks information on guidance for beneficiaries and any additional resources required for prompt action.

The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), signed into law on January 5, 2025, repeals the WEP and GPO effective December 2023. These provisions, enacted in 1983, primarily impacted state and local government employees like teachers, police officers, firefighters, and federal employees with pensions exempt from Social Security payroll taxes. The WEP reduced benefits for certain individuals entitled to both Social Security benefits and pensions from employment not covered by Social Security. The GPO aimed to replicate a rule related to dual entitlement for contributions made to a substitute plan.

Smith and Estes call for swift implementation of this new law to aid Americans who have waited decades for relief.