Big Changes Coming for Social Security Recipients and Public Pensions

James Gehring

James Gehring

|2 min. read time|
January 18, 2025
January 18, 2025|
2 min. read time

The Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) represents a significant legislative change aimed at addressing a 20-year revision with Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million affected public sector Americans. SSFA was just signed into law, and the Social Security Administration is currently determining the timeline for implementing the law, leaving the exact impact uncertain for retirees and workers with public sector pensions.

Potential Benefits of the SSFA

The SSFA focuses on repealing two previsions – the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—which initially reduced Social Security benefits for public-sector workers to save the trust fund. For workers with 40 quarters (10 years of substantial earnings) they will be able to claim a portion of their Social Security benefits. The initial law even mentions backdating income for 2024 as a lump sum benefit.

Planning Your Financial Future

Given the evolving nature of the SSFA, having a robust financial strategy is essential in maximizing benefits. As implementation and finalization of the SSFA continues to unfold, potential impacts will become clearer. It is critical to understand how these changes fit into your overall retirement plan.

How Flagship Capital Advisors Can Help

At Flagship Capital Advisors, we have decades of experience working with Social Security and Public Sector Employees who may be most affected by this law change. We can help you with:

• Financial & Retirement Planning: Developing a personalized strategy to meet your unique needs.

• Social Security Optimization: Helping you understand and maximize your benefits under the newest rules.

• Asset Allocation: Building a diversified and customized investment portfolio tailored to your goals and risk objectives.

Call Us Today

If you have questions about how the Social Security Fairness Act or other financial factors may affect your retirement, contact Flagship Capital Advisors today.

Let us help you navigate these changes and optimize your financial strategy together.

Flagship Capital Advisors
Your Wealth, Your Future, Our Commitment

James Gehring, CFP®

About the Author

As a dedicated Certified Financial Planner®, James purposefully strives to provide insightful guidance, honesty, and a client-first approach to the planning he offers his clients. With a career spanning over a decade, James has honed his craft and earned the trust of clients seeking clarity amidst the complexities of individual financial planning and understanding the investment markets. His journey led him to Flagship Capital Advisors in 2024, where he brings his wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to serving clients who desire an individualized approach to building their financial plan.