Sen. Blumenthal applauds law that expands Social Security benefits

WASHINGTON (WTNH) — Nearly 3 million Americans could see a boost in Social Security payments, thanks to a bipartisan act awaiting President Joe Biden’s signature.

“These dedicated public servants deserve the full benefits of Social Security, without being offset because they receive a pension from someplace else,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said.

Social Security retirement age set to change in 2025

Blumenthal called it an “injustice” on Monday. He said more than 32,000 people in Connecticut are not receiving their full Social Security benefits.

“This monumental step towards Social Security fairness is a testament to the men and women behind me,” Blumenthal said.

The Social Security Fairness Act, which passed the Senate, would repeal two provisions of current law that limit these benefits.

“The Social Security Fairness Act not only honors those for their service, but reaffirms our commitment to fairness, justice and the American ideal,” said Ed Hawthorne, of the Connecticut AFL-CIO.

It heavily impacts teachers, police officers, firefighters and public servants who are eligible for other pensions.

“Our firefighters have paid their fair share into Social Security through secondary employment and side jobs — usually while serving their communities as firefighters,” said Peter Brown, of the Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association of Connecticut. “They’ve seen those benefits diminish.”

If signed by Biden, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) would be repealed, impacting not only retirees but also their spouses and family members.

“It’s lifechanging,” said Kate Dias, the president of the Connecticut Education Association (CEA).  “We’re talking anywhere from 600 to probably a couple thousand dollars a month, depending on whether you’re getting a survivor benefit.”

This proposal calls for changes to payments for January 2024 and beyond, which means the Social Security Administration would owe back-pay as well. While it did receive bipartisan support, some lawmakers voiced doubts due to its cost and fiscal impact.

“Saving money for Social Security, making it solvent is certainly a challenge we need to address, but not on the backs of our [public servants],” Blumenthal said.

Biden is expected to sign it into law. But calculating what folks are due, and retroactive payments, could take some time.

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