The Social Security Fairness Act is a transformative law that eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), paving the way for millions—especially women in public-sector roles—to access long-overdue Social Security benefits.

In this episode, Eric Blake explores the impact of these changes on retirement planning, addressing listener questions about eligibility, retroactive benefits, and practical steps to maximize financial security under the new law.

Eric discusses: 

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• How the Social Security Fairness Act eliminates WEP and GPO, positively impacting public-sector workers like teachers and firefighters
  
• The disproportionate effect of GPO on women, especially widows and divorced individuals, and how the new legislation offers significant financial relief
  
• The retroactive nature of the Act, which applies benefits back to January 2024, potentially leading to lump-sum payments for eligible individuals
  
• Strategies to maximize benefits under the new rules, including understanding survivor and spousal benefit eligibility
  
• Steps to take now, such as applying for benefits, checking eligibility, and consulting financial advisors to adapt retirement plans accordingly
  
• And more!
  

Resources:

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• Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roadmap 
  
• Visit SSA.gov: To check Social Security statements and eligibility
  
• #14 – Top 5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Social Security
  
• #24 – Understanding Spousal (and Ex-Spousal) Social Security Benefits
  
• #32 – The Essentials of Social Security: An Insider’s Insights to Help You Plan with Confidence
  
• #37 – Top 5 Questions on Social Security Survivor Benefits
  

Connect with Eric Blake: 

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• www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com
  
• Join the Simply Retirement Newsletter
  
• Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast
  
• Blake Wealth Management
  
• YouTube