Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has announced that approximately 73,000 residents of Louisiana have received a total of $566,209,833.81 in retroactive payments following the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The announcement follows Cassidy's successful efforts to secure a vote in the U.S. Senate for the Social Security Fairness Act, which led to the repeal of WEP and GPO.

"$566 million has already been given back to Louisiana families, and there is more to come," said Dr. Cassidy. "This is a great victory for every police officer, firefighter, nurse, teacher, and public servant who has waited so long. I’m grateful to the Trump administration for their quick work."

The Social Security Administration began depositing these retroactive payments on February 25, 2025, with plans to complete nearly all payments by the end of March. Adjustments to ongoing monthly benefits are set to start in April.

Before this legislative change, around 94,000 Louisianans were affected by WEP and GPO. Enacted in 1983 and 1977 respectively, these provisions reduced Social Security benefits for workers receiving pensions from government employment not covered by Social Security and reduced spousal benefits under similar conditions.

Cassidy played a significant role in passing the Social Security Fairness Act into law on January 5, 2025. He had persistently advocated for its passage through speeches on the Senate floor and statements entered into congressional records urging Congress to act against WEP and GPO.

Since joining Congress in 2009 as an original cosponsor of this legislation, Cassidy has been actively involved in efforts aimed at preserving Social Security through bipartisan collaboration.

In March last year, Cassidy questioned U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen about President Biden’s plan concerning Social Security during which Secretary Yellen admitted that “the president doesn’t have a plan” to address looming benefit cuts.