Biden Signs Law to Increase Social Security Benefits for Millions

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Supporters say the law finally removes limits imposed on benefits for public servants. Critics say it will speed up the Social Security programโ€™s insolvency.

President Joe Biden on Jan. 5 signed into law a bill that would increase Social Security benefits for millions of U.S. citizens who have worked in eligible public service fields.

The bill, dubbed the Social Security Fairness Act, specifically boosts benefits for about 3 million U.S. citizens who have worked in public jobs, particularly affecting those who received state and local pensions separate from Social Security.

โ€œBy signing this bill, weโ€™re extending Social Security benefits for millions of teachers, nurses and other public employees and their spouses and survivors,โ€ Biden said at the signing of the bill on Jan. 5.

In an email to The Epoch Times, a White House official said Bidenโ€™s signing of the legislation made him โ€œthe first president in twenty years to expand Social Security benefits.โ€

The official fit the bill into Bidenโ€™s larger commitment to Social Security. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have repeatedly expressed support for Social Security and opposition to substantial revisions that reduce benefits or raise the retirement age.

The legislation passed the House on Nov. 12 with overwhelming bipartisan support in a 327โ€“75 vote. Later, it passed the Senate in a similarly bipartisan 76โ€“20 vote. Even Republicans, who are more hawkish on government spending and Social Security issues, largely supported the bill.

For supporters, the legislation is a long overdue correction to provisions in the law that limited benefits for public servants. It will get rid of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which previously limited the federal pension that public sector employees could receive based on their other income sources from state and other government pensions.

According to the most recent estimates from the Congressional Research Service, about 2.1 million people have taken benefit cuts from the WEP, while about 746,000 people are affected by the GPO.

On the other hand, repealing these provisionsโ€”a move broadly supported by a broad cross section of politicians from both partiesโ€”is expected to increase the federal governmentโ€™s Social Security expenditures.

Byย Joseph Lord

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

The Sacred Honor of the 56

Today we're celebrating the sacred honor of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Alligator Alcatraz: A Bold Step Toward Secure Borders

Alligator Alcatraz funded through FEMA, represents a decisive move by the Trump admin to address illegal immigration with efficiency and resolve.

Is America Broke?

Silicon Valley investor and economic commentator Balaji Srinivasan made...

Hungary: Prideโ„ข Cometh Before the Color Revolution

The EU engaged in a diplomatic siege of the Eastern European nation-state of Hungary pressuring it into embrace global trannyism or face wrath of Brussels.

Understanding the Trump/Musk Feud

The passion Trump and Musk exhibit over the OBBB is not contrived or for show. Each is addressing the problem from completely different approaches.

Noem Waives Environmental Restrictions to Fast-Track Water Barriers in Rio Grande

DHS Sec Kristi Noem waived federal environmental laws to fast-track construction of 17 miles of waterborne barriers in the Rio Grande in South Texas.

Federal Officials Warn of โ€˜Lone Wolfโ€™ Terror Threats on July 4, NY Governor Says

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed that federal officials informed her about a possible terrorist threat ahead of the July 4 Independence Day holiday.

Record 1 in 5 Buyers of New Cars Committing to $1,000-Plus Monthly Payments: Edmunds

The share of new car buyers committing to make monthly payments of $1,000 or more hit an โ€œall-time highโ€ in the second quarter of 2025.

US Economy Adds 147,000 New Jobs, Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent in June

The U.S. job market remained strong in June, as labor conditions continued to hold up amid economic uncertainty.

US Keeps Pressure on Chinese Goods Amid Vietnam Trade Deal

Transshippingโ€”rerouting goods through a third country to disguise the origin of the productsโ€”is a focal point of trade negotiations with Asian markets.

White House Report Reveals Top Earners, Staffers Working for No Salary

The Trump admin released its yearly report that shows the salaries for White House staffers, also revealing officials who arenโ€™t accepting salaries at all.

Transportation Secretary Urges Governors to Remove Political Messages From Crosswalks, Intersections

Duffy sent letters to governors, mayor of D.C., and gov of Puerto Rico urging them to remove political messaging from intersections and crosswalks.

Bessent: US, India Near Agreement to Lower Tariffs

The United States and India are โ€œvery closeโ€ to a trade agreement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday.
spot_img

Related Articles