Millions of retired Americans rely on Social Security benefits, but until recently, some weren’t getting their full payments or any at all.
That’s because of two provisions: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
These rules were designed to prevent certain public employees from receiving both a pension and full Social Security benefits. Instead, their benefits were reduced — and in some cases, eliminated.
But now, that’s changing. A new law may mean millions of retirees are owed money.
Big Changes to Social Security
The recently passed Social Security Fairness Act eliminates both the WEP and GPO. This means many affected retirees are now eligible for increased monthly benefits.
Even more significantly, some may be entitled to retroactive payments — essentially a lump sum of the money they should’ve been receiving all along.
For example, in a Reddit post, one user shared that they received a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) about their late father, who had not received benefits due to one of the old provisions.
The SSA is now requesting the user’s Social Security number to determine if they’re eligible to collect their father’s unpaid benefits.
Since the father had no spouse and the poster is the only child, they could potentially receive the full backpay.
Is It Real — or A Scam?
While the opportunity to receive owed benefits is exciting, it also opens the door for potential scams.
The Reddit user is rightfully cautious — identity theft is common, and scammers often impersonate government agencies.
Luckily, many users offered solid advice: don’t respond to the letter directly. Instead, visit a local Social Security office in person to confirm whether the letter is legitimate.
This way, you can speak with a real SSA employee and safely provide any necessary information.
If you do receive a letter claiming you’re owed money and asking for personal information, never send your Social Security number or any sensitive data without verifying the source first.
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and giving up that info could put your identity — and your finances — at serious risk.
What Should You Do Next?
If you believe you’ve been affected by the WEP or GPO and might be entitled to more money, consider consulting a financial advisor.
Whether you’re owed backpay or your monthly benefits have increased, professional advice can help you make the most of the extra funds, especially if you’re already on a tight retirement budget.
And if you’re unsure where to start, SmartAsset offers a free tool to connect you with up to three pre-screened financial advisors in your area. Here’s how it works:
- Take a quick quiz to help match you with the right advisors.
- Review your matches and their credentials.
- Chat with the advisors for free, then choose the one who best fits your needs.
This could be a smart move for anyone adjusting to new Social Security rules or planning for a more stable financial future.
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