Most UC employees contribute to and earn benefits from Social Security, along with their UC retirement benefits, while they work at UC. If you are a UC employee or retiree who has not contributed to Social Security (a group that includes some police officers and firefighters and individuals who opted not to participate in Social Security when it was first made available at UC in the 1970s), the recently signed Social Security Fairness Act may mean increases to your benefits.
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by President Biden on January 6, 2025, repealed two rules that reduced Social Security benefits for some: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The change in the law is retroactive to benefits paid in 2024. Please note that this change has no impact on retirement benefits through UC.
It is not yet clear how long it will take the Social Security Administration to implement the change and pay retroactive benefits. If you never applied for or were previously denied Social Security benefits because of WEP or GPO, you may need to file an application. The Social Security Administration’s update on the new law includes details and answers to frequently asked questions, including how to apply, how much benefits may increase, and what else you may need to do. You can also contact the Social Security Administration for assistance.