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Board hears federal update: Social Security Fairness Act (HR 82) signed; CalSTRS benefits unaffected
Summary
CalSTRS legislative staff reported on Jan. 9 that HR 82, the federal Social Security Fairness Act repealing WEP and GPO, has been signed into law; the change affects Social Security benefit calculations but not CalSTRS pensions.
CalSTRS legislative staff reported on Jan. 9 that HR 82, the federal Social Security Fairness Act, has been signed into law, eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Staff told the board this change affects Social Security benefits that members may receive but does not change CalSTRS retirement benefits.
Joycelyn (staff member) said the law’s repeal will affect Social Security benefits payable after December 2023, with implementation beginning for benefits payable starting in January 2024. “This change does not affect CalSTRS benefits,” she said, and added CalSTRS will update publications, web materials and member communications as the agency evaluates the implementation guidance issued by the Social Security Administration.
Several public commenters who had participated in the national advocacy effort celebrated the law’s enactment. Susan (public commenter) described attending the White House signing and credited a broad coalition of unions and retiree groups. “The energy, the excitement, and the shock actually in that room after 40 years was energizing,” she said. Kevin Welch, chair of the CTA retirement committee, and Don Stauffer, speaking for CTA NEA Retired, also thanked the coalition of stakeholders and urged members to follow Social Security Administration guidance.
Staff recommended that members await implementation details from the Social Security Administration and said CalSTRS will evaluate its own communications and member publications to reflect the change.
