Here’s What Every CSRS Retiree Needs to Recheck Now That WEP Has Finally Been Repealed

Missy E
November 14, 2025

Key Takeaways

The repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) in 2025 means you may now receive your full Social Security benefit if you’re a CSRS retiree with Social Security credits.
To take advantage of this change, you need to review your Social Security status, update benefit estimates, and consider how this impacts your income planning.

Why the WEP Repeal Matters in 2025

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) has long affected how your Social Security benefits are calculated if you’re a government retiree under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). In January 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act went into effect, officially repealing WEP. This change significantly alters your retirement income landscape if you’ve earned Social Security credits through other work.

Until 2024, WEP could reduce your monthly Social Security benefit by hundreds of dollars, simply because your CSRS pension wasn’t coordinated with Social Security. Now that the WEP is gone, it’s time to reassess your benefits—and possibly your financial strategy.

Recheck Your Social Security Earnings Record

The first and most critical step is reviewing your Social Security earnings record. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount. Even though you’re a CSRS retiree, if you worked in Social Security-covered employment for at least 10 years (40 quarters), you’re eligible for benefits.

Log in to your my Social Security account.
Review each year’s earnings for accuracy.
Report any discrepancies immediately to the SSA.

Errors in earnings history can lead to incorrect benefit calculations. Now that WEP no longer applies, every dollar you’ve earned through covered employment matters more than ever.

Understand Your New Social Security Benefit Amount

With the WEP repeal in effect, your Social Security benefit will now be calculated without the WEP formula that used to reduce your monthly amount. You should:

Use the SSA’s updated benefit estimator or contact them directly to get an accurate figure.
Ask for a recalculation if you were previously affected by WEP.

This recalculated amount can potentially add hundreds of dollars per month to your income, depending on your work history outside of CSRS.

Consider How This Impacts Your CSRS Annuity and Overall Income

Your CSRS annuity remains unchanged. However, the new Social Security income will boost your overall retirement income. That’s why you should:

Recalculate your annual income projection for 2025 and beyond.
Assess your tax situation, since higher income might change your tax bracket.
Think about how this impacts your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

CSRS pensions are already generous, but this new income could offer you more flexibility or support for long-term care, travel, or estate planning.

Update Your Retirement Income Plan

With a new source of income—or an increase in an existing one—you may need to revisit your financial plan. Consider the following steps:

Meet with a financial planner or licensed agent who understands public sector retirement.
Adjust your withdrawal strategy from TSP or other savings accounts.
Evaluate your spending habits, savings, and goals in light of new income.

The timing is important. The WEP repeal took effect in January 2025, but you may not see the full impact until your benefit is reprocessed or you initiate a request.

Medicare Implications You Shouldn’t Overlook

An increase in Social Security income could affect your Medicare Part B premiums, which are based on your income. In 2025, the standard premium is $185 per month, but higher-income individuals may pay more.

You may want to:

Review your income to determine if you’re subject to Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA).
File an appeal with SSA if your current income doesn’t reflect your retirement income.
Coordinate your CSRS annuity, Social Security benefits, and TSP withdrawals to stay under IRMAA thresholds, if possible.

Tax Considerations in a Post-WEP World

With added Social Security income, your tax landscape may shift. Social Security benefits can become taxable depending on your combined income:

Single filers: If your combined income exceeds $25,000, up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable. Above $34,000, up to 85% can be taxed.
Joint filers: The thresholds are $32,000 and $44,000.

Combined income includes your CSRS annuity, any other pensions, TSP withdrawals, and half of your Social Security benefit. Consult with a tax advisor to update your strategy for 2025.

Spousal and Survivor Benefits: Now Worth Revisiting

If you’re married or widowed, Social Security spousal or survivor benefits may now apply more favorably. Under WEP, these were often reduced or eliminated. Now:

Your spouse could receive up to 50% of your benefit if eligible.
You could be eligible for survivor benefits based on your spouse’s work history.
Former spouses might also be eligible under certain conditions.

You’ll want to revisit these benefits with the SSA to explore what’s newly available or recalculated based on the WEP repeal.

GPO Still Applies—So Be Aware

Although WEP has been repealed, the Government Pension Offset (GPO) still exists in 2025. If you’re receiving a CSRS pension and qualify for spousal or survivor Social Security benefits, the GPO may reduce those benefits by two-thirds of your CSRS annuity.

This is an important distinction. While your own Social Security benefit is no longer affected by WEP, any benefits based on someone else’s work record might still be offset by GPO. Keep this in mind as you plan with your spouse or family.

What About Retroactive Payments?

There is no automatic retroactive payment for past WEP reductions. However, you should:

Contact the SSA to see if your benefit has been properly adjusted.
Inquire about any possible retroactive adjustments from January 2025 onward.
Monitor your Social Security payments over the next few months to ensure the new calculation is reflected.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve received the correct amount, request a formal benefit verification letter.

Planning Beyond 2025

Now that WEP is behind you, your retirement planning should look different moving forward. Use this moment to reorient your financial goals:

Look at the impact on your estate planning. With increased income, you may want to revisit your will or trust.
Consider whether to gift assets to family members or causes in tax-efficient ways.
Evaluate long-term care insurance options or other protections while you still qualify for them based on age and health.

The elimination of WEP is a rare legislative shift that offers you a one-time opportunity to improve your financial security—if you act on it.

Make Sure You’re Getting the Full Benefit You Deserve

The repeal of WEP in 2025 opens the door to meaningful increases in retirement income for CSRS retirees who also worked in Social Security-covered employment. But you need to be proactive:

Check your Social Security record and benefit amount.
Understand how the increase affects taxes, Medicare, and spousal benefits.
Reevaluate your income strategy for 2025 and beyond.

Speak with a licensed agent listed on this website to get professional guidance tailored to your situation. Your retirement income picture just changed—make sure you’re seeing it clearly.