SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski has expressed approval following the Social Security Administration's (SSA) announcement that it will start disbursing retroactive Social Security benefits to individuals affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). These payments, effective from January 1, 2024, are expected to reach most beneficiaries by the end of March. The adjusted benefit payments will be reflected starting in April.

However, some beneficiaries with complex cases may need to wait longer for manual recalculations by the SSA. Those impacted who do not receive their due payments should contact the SSA after April.

These changes are part of the Social Security Fairness Act signed into law on January 5, 2025. Senator Murkowski has been a strong advocate for this legislation since she began co-sponsoring it in Congress in 2003.

On February 5, Senator Murkowski joined other lawmakers in urging Acting Commissioner Michelle King for swift implementation of the act. "I applaud the Social Security Administration for moving quickly to ensure Alaska’s public servants are able to access the benefits they are entitled to," stated Senator Murkowski. She added that Alaskans have waited long enough for these benefits and thanked the administration for its prompt action.

The WEP reduces benefits for workers with pensions from non-Social Security-covered employment and was enacted in 1983. The GPO affects spousal benefits and was introduced in 1977. Together, these provisions impact nearly three million Americans, including teachers and public safety officers. Alaska is particularly affected by these measures.

The Social Security Fairness Act received support from various organizations such as AFL-CIO Alaska, AFCA, APFA, NEA-A, NARFE Alaska, ASEA, FOP, NCPSSM, and others.

Senator Murkowski will continue updating her constituents on this issue through her website.