Page 25 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2025 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

FAIRNESS ACT OF 2025:

Changes in Social Security-

What You Need to Know

by Cynthia Evans

evidence of age has already been proven if you receive
Medicare or another SSA benefit.
Most people want to know when they will receive their
benefits. The answer is not clear-cut, and several elements
must be considered. Some cases must be processed
manually. If this is the situation, the agency requests that
people be patient as they process this workload. You may
receive your monies deposited into your account before
you receive a notice from SSA.

How does this change affect your Medicare payments?
If you pay your Medicare premiums because you are
not receiving a benefit check, this will probably change.
ffective in 2025, the long-standing laws, the Windfall Once your claim is completed, the premiums are usually
Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government deducted from your monthly benefits. The agency will
EPension Offset (GPO), were abolished. These laws inform you about this adjustment if this is your case.
affected people receiving non-covered pensions from a As a word of caution, be aware of scammers. Ensure
former employer, who had their Social Security benefits you provide your personal information to businesses
reduced, or who did not receive any benefits because of working on your behalf. For proper updated data, visit
their non-covered pension. SSA has been paying recipients the Social Security Administration’s website (Social
retroactive benefits affected by this law. Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision

If you are on the Social Security Administration‘s record (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) update |
and were offset, most changes are completed without the SSA). When you interact with SSA, they will not ask for
beneficiaries taking further action. People need to make money for services. If you are contacted by phone and do
sure that their address and direct deposit are correct. You not feel comfortable with your conversation because of the
can review the information using “my Social Security information they are requesting, please terminate the call.
account” (SSA.gov) or call the agency at 1-800-772-1213. If Protect yourself!
your data is inaccurate, this could delay the processing of
the benefits.

Another situation is if you have never filed for benefits Simplifying Social Security
solely because you would have been offset due to your
non-covered pension. You need to take the necessary Cynthia Evans
action. You must file for benefits on your work or spouse’s
record. Some of these actions can be completed online.

When you file for Social Security benefits, you will need
certain proof to obtain payments. If you are filing on a (806) 414-2705
spouse’s record, you must provide proof of relationship. ssscevans@gmail.com
Usually, this is a certified marriage certificate. Most of the www.SimplifyingSocialSecurity.net

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