Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has expressed approval following the U.S. Social Security Administration's announcement that over 3 million American public servants affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) will receive increased Social Security benefits and retroactive payments. This development comes after the enactment of the Social Security Fairness Act, which repeals these provisions, signed into law on January 5, 2024.

Cassidy emphasized the importance of this change for public servants in Louisiana, stating, “Police officers, teachers, nurses, and other state and local public servants across Louisiana will finally receive the correct Social Security payments.” He acknowledged that while it took time to achieve this outcome, it is a significant victory.

The SSA plans to start depositing retroactive payments on February 25, 2025, with most payments completed by March's end. Adjustments to monthly benefits are set to begin in April.

Before this legislative change, approximately 94,000 individuals in Louisiana were adversely affected by WEP and GPO. The WEP was introduced in 1983 to reduce benefits for workers receiving pensions from non-Social Security-covered government employment. The GPO was enacted in 1977 to reduce spousal benefits for those whose spouses receive similar pensions.

Senator Cassidy played a crucial role in advancing the Social Security Fairness Act through Congress. He demanded a vote on the act and advocated for its passage as part of his broader initiative to strengthen America's retirement system. Since joining Congress in 2009, Cassidy has been an original cosponsor of this legislation.

Cassidy has actively engaged with various stakeholders about his "Big Idea" for securing Social Security's future. He has discussed these issues at public forums and authored opinion pieces highlighting his concerns about potential benefit cuts.