New Social Security laws bring significant changes that can impact several groups within our communities, especially public sector workers, teachers, firefighters, and police officers. Understanding these laws can help you make informed decisions about your retirement1 and benefits. Read on to learn more about the new laws, and how they impact you.
What Are the New Social Security Laws?
n 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act introduced several updates. The act eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which affected millions of Americans who received a pension based on work not covered by Social Security. The WEP reduced Social Security benefits for those who also received a pension from non-covered work, while the GPO reduced spousal benefits for those receiving certain government or school pensions.
How Do the New Social Security Laws Affect Me?
The good news is, the elimination of these provisions results in changes to how benefits are calculated, which effectively means an increase to Social Security benefits for affected individuals, including public sector workers, teachers, firefighters, and police officers. These new laws aim to ensure that our hardworking community servants receive equitable benefits and thus, a more secure retirement.
What Actions Should I Take, If Any?
To benefit from these changes, you’ll need to stay informed and update your information with the SSA. If you were previously impacted by WEP/GPO, verify that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has your current mailing address and direct deposit information. Most people can do this online through their personal My Social Security account. If you have not previously filed for Social Security benefits, you may file online or schedule an in person or phone appointment.
You can verify and update your mailing address and direct deposit information through your personal My Social Security account.
- Visit SSA.gov.
- Log in to your account. If you don't have an account, you can create one.
- Once logged in, update your information. Select the Benefits & Payment Details link on the right side of the screen. Scroll down and select the Update Direct Deposit button. You can then enter your account information and update your mailing address.
If you prefer to update your information over the phone, you can call the SSA at (800) 772-1213. They are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in English, Spanish, and other languages.
By staying informed about the latest changes to Social Security, you can work toward a secure and comfortable retirement. Take advantage of these updates to optimize your benefits and plan for a brighter future. For more detailed information and personalized advice, consult with the UFCU Investments team to navigate these changes and make the most of your retirement planning. Our advisors are here to help you every step of the way.
1 Retirement or investments: Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. ("CFS"), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. UFCU has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union Members.
2 Subject to eligibility.