News

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is continuing benefit updates following the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) under the Social Security Fairness Act, effective January 2024. As a result of the repeal, SSA no longer reduces retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits for LACERA members eligible for Social Security. If your benefits were previously reduced, SSA must recalculate them. Most cases were processed through automation, so most beneficiaries saw their new benefit amounts in April 2025, but more complex records require manual updates. All remaining updates are expected by November 2025.

If you are already receiving benefits and SSA has your current mailing and direct deposit information, no action is needed. You can verify your details through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If You Never Applied for Benefits Due to WEP or GPO

Because of the repeal, you may now qualify and should consider applying. 

• The easiest way to apply for retirement or spouse’s benefits is online at ssa.gov/apply.
• You can also apply by phone if you previously did not apply due to WEP or GPO. Call 1-800-772-1213, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.
• Surviving spouse’s benefits must be applied for by phone at the same number. These applications are not available online.

As of May 30, 2025, SSA has received over 227,000 new applications, with 90 percent processed.

Protect Yourself from Scams

SSA will never ask you to pay to start or increase your benefits. If someone claims they can expedite your payment for a fee, hang up or delete the message. Learn more and report scams at ssa.gov/scams.

Learn More

For more information about the repeal of the WEP/GPO, payment schedule, applying for spousal benefits, and other updates, visit the Social Security Administration’s information page about the Social Security Fairness Act.