Big Win For The Hard-Workers!
The Social Security Fairness Act is a bill that addresses the longstanding inequities in the U.S. Social Security system. Sector workers, including teachers, police officers, firefighters, and even government employees, have been dealing with these inequities for decades. The negative impact stems from the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. These programs reduce Social Security benefits for workers who receive pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security. This creates a significant financial challenge for those who put most of their years into a career in public service. While the Social Security Fairness Act marks a historical landmark for seniors and retirees, this is a stark reminder and brings up challenges regarding physical and financial elderly abuse.
At KAASS LAW, we dedicate to help protect the rights and well-being of seniors, especially anyone suffering from the lack of Social Security benefits. We offer legal support for those facing various forms of abuse while helping them secure the benefits they are entitled to. The following is a brief summary of the policies of Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision. The two give context as to why the Social Security Fair Act was passed through Legislation. However, with the new bill providing relief for many seniors, it is essential to recognize that older adults face many additional challenges.
Government Pension Offset?
GPO is another provision that affects public employees. Particularly, this aims toward spouses of workers who qualify for Social Security benefits. Individuals under GPO who receive a pension from a government job not covered by Social Security are subject to a reduction in Social Security spousal or survivor benefits. The offset can be as high as two-thirds of the government pension. This means that workers may lose their eligibility for Social Security benefits altogether. GPO primarily affects public service employees who are married to or are survivors of someone who paid into the system throughout their careers. This means that public employees such as teachers and police officers may find themselves with lower benefits through Social Security.
Windfall Elimination Provision?
WEP is a way to prevent public workers from receiving both a pension from a job that doesn’t have coverage by Social Security and a full Social Security benefit based on their other work. Its original design was to prevent anyone from “double-dipping” into benefits; however, this disproportionately impacts those who work in public service roles. Under WEP, Social Security’s reduction can be substantial. In some cases, individuals may receive less than they would have if they never worked in a government job in the first place. This also applies to anyone working exclusively in private-sector positions that have Social Security coverage.
Helping Elders With Their Social Security
While the Social Security Fairness Act is a good indicator for the older generation of hard workers, financial and physical abuse are common challenges that are still happening today. At KAASS LAW, we are deeply committed to advocating for the elderly. Our team not only supports seniors in securing their rightful benefits but also helps protect them from the dangers of elder abuse, a growing concern in our society.
Protecting Elders From Physical Abuse
Physical elder abuse involves the intentional harm of an elderly person. This abuse can occur in a number of locations including, but not limited to, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or even their home from a caregiver or family member. The abuse can be physical, psychological trauma, and possible financial hardship. Examples of physical abuse include, but are not limited to, unexplained bruises, broken bones, or burns. Psychological trauma can be something such as withdrawing an elderly from social interactions or placing fear in them. These victims can fall into confusion or cognitive impairment. At KAASS LAW, we represent seniors who are victims of physical abuse. We can hold the responsible parties that are at fault. Whether family members, caregivers, or facilities, someone is going to be accountable for their actions. Physical elder abuse is devastating, and our team is dedicated to ensuring that victims receive the justice they deserve.
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The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law in 2025, is a major win for seniors that were public servants. This helps restore fairness in the Social Security system. However, it is just one step in protecting the elderly. Financial and physical abuse remain significant concerns that can threaten the safety, security, and financial well-being of older adults. At KAASS LAW, we strive to protect and prevent anyone from being a victim of elderly abuse. If you or someone you know facing abuse or need assistance with Social Security, contact us today.
Please reach out to us at any time if you are seeking legal assistance or representation!