WEP Reform 2026: What Public Employees Need to Know
Latest updates on Windfall Elimination Provision reform legislation. Will Congress finally fix WEP in 2026?
Key Takeaways
- 1Social Security Fairness Act would eliminate both WEP and GPO
- 2Bipartisan support but concerns about $196 billion cost
- 3Bills have passed House before but stalled in Senate
- 4Current WEP reduces Social Security by up to $558/month (2024)
- 5Affected workers include teachers, police, firefighters, federal employees
- 6Continue planning as if WEP will remain in effect
- 7Supplement with additional retirement savings regardless of reform
2026 WEP Reform Status
The push to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision continues in 2026, but success remains uncertain. Here's where things stand.
- **Social Security Fairness Act**: Primary legislation to repeal WEP/GPO
- **Bipartisan support**: Sponsors from both parties in House and Senate
- **CBO cost estimate**: Approximately $196 billion over 10 years
- **Senate hurdle**: Has historically stalled even when House passed
- **Affected population**: 2.8+ million retirees and future retirees
No Guarantees
Despite years of advocacy, WEP/GPO repeal has never passed Congress. Plan your retirement as if the current rules will continue.
What Is the Windfall Elimination Provision?
WEP reduces Social Security benefits for people who also receive pensions from work not covered by Social Security.
- Created in 1983 to address perceived unfairness
- Affects those with both SS benefits and non-covered pensions
- Uses a modified formula that reduces the first bend point
- Maximum reduction: $558/month in 2024
- Reduction phases out with 30+ years of "substantial earnings"
WEP Impact Example
A retired teacher expecting $1,800/month from Social Security might receive only $1,250/month after WEP reduction - a $550/month permanent cut.
Who Is Affected by WEP?
WEP primarily affects public employees in states and localities that don't participate in Social Security.
- **Teachers**: In 15 states (CA, TX, OH, IL, MA, and others)
- **Federal employees**: CSRS (pre-1984) and some FERS
- **State/local workers**: Police, firefighters, transit workers
- **Railroad workers**: Those with Railroad Retirement benefits
- **Foreign employment**: Work in countries without SS totalization
| Group | Estimated Affected |
|---|---|
| Teachers | ~900,000 |
| State/Local Workers | ~1,200,000 |
| Federal Employees (CSRS) | ~400,000 |
| Other | ~300,000 |
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Current WEP/GPO Legislation
Multiple bills have been introduced to address WEP and GPO. The main vehicle is the Social Security Fairness Act.
- **Social Security Fairness Act**: Full repeal of both WEP and GPO
- **H.R. 82 / S. 597**: Bill numbers from previous Congress
- **Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act**: Alternative with modified formula
- **Bipartisan support**: Broad co-sponsorship in both chambers
- **Cost concerns**: Main obstacle to passage
Track Legislation
Follow the Social Security Fairness Coalition and your representatives for the latest updates on WEP reform progress.
What Should You Do?
While hoping for reform, take practical steps to protect your retirement.
- 1Calculate your expected WEP reduction using SSA's WEP calculator
- 2Factor the reduced Social Security into your retirement income plan
- 3Maximize your public pension benefits (years of service, final salary)
- 4Build additional savings in 403(b), 457, or IRA accounts
- 5Contact your representatives to support WEP reform
- 6Consider working 30+ years in SS-covered employment to eliminate WEP
- 7Don't count on reform - plan conservatively
Protecting Your Retirement Regardless of WEP
Whether WEP is reformed or not, public employees should build additional retirement savings beyond their pension and reduced Social Security.
- Your pension doesn't adjust for inflation (or has limited COLA)
- WEP-reduced Social Security provides less income than expected
- Additional savings in 403(b), 457, or IRA provides flexibility
- Gold IRA provides inflation protection your pension lacks
- Diversification beyond pension tied to one employer/state
- Augusta Precious Metals helps with 403(b)/457 rollovers
Frequently Asked Questions
1Will WEP definitely be repealed in 2026?
No guarantees. While there's bipartisan support, cost concerns have blocked passage for decades. Plan your retirement assuming WEP will continue.
2If WEP is repealed, will I get retroactive benefits?
It depends on the legislation. Some bills include retroactive payments, others only affect future benefits. Check the specific bill language.
3How can I avoid WEP?
Have 30+ years of "substantial earnings" in Social Security-covered employment, or choose public employment that does participate in Social Security.
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