Good News for Retired Teachers: Spousal Social Security Benefits Are Back

Good News for Retired Teachers: Spousal Social Security Benefits Are Back

The recently passed Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) eliminates two rules that for decades cut or erased benefits for retired public workers:

• Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): Reduced personal Social Security benefits for those with a non-covered pension.
• Government Pension Offset (GPO): Slashed or eliminated spousal and survivor benefits for retirees like teachers.

 With both repealed—retroactive to January 2024—retired teachers may now:

• Receive full spousal or survivor benefits based on their spouse’s record.
• Get retroactive payments from last year.
• See average monthly increases of $300–$700+, depending on eligibility.

What To Do Next

1. Check with SSA to ensure your contact and banking details are current.
2. Apply for spousal/survivor benefits if you haven’t already—you may now qualify.
3. Gather documents (marriage certificate, pension info, spouse’s Social Security record).
4. Contact SSA at ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 for next steps.

 Why It Matters

For many retired teachers—especially in states like Texas, California, and Illinois—this law corrects a long-standing inequity. After years of reduced benefits, educators and their families can finally claim the full support they’ve earned.