More than 2.5 million Americans, including many educators, have their social security benefits reduced–or lose them entirely– due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). That is not fair!

What is the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)? ESP members qualify for social security. While Illinois teachers & higher ed members do not qualify, the reality is that some of them work second jobs. WEP reduces the ss benefits teachers & higher ed members earn from those jobs.

What is the Government Pension Offset (GPO)? The GPO reduces–or eliminates–the social security spousal or survivor benefits. This means if you are an educator who loses a spouse, you could see your survivor benefits drastically reduced or eliminated entirely.

NEA has created an action page to contact your representative and tell them to stop unfair social security penalties. We need to FULLY REPEAL GPO and WEP!

Registration for the 2024 NEA National Leadership Summit is NOW OPEN! Join us March 1-3 in Chicago. This year’s theme: Education. Democracy. Freedom. Our Right! Our Responsibility! The NEA National Leadership Summit is designed to develop activist leaders and prepare them with the knowledge and skills needed to lead thriving locals. Open to ALL members, regardless of experience level.

NUEA would like to wish everyone a happy and safe new year! On January 1, 40 years ago, our union’s legislation, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, officially went into effect. This was a milestone moment for education employees across the state. The IELRA gave educators the right to collectively bargain. The IELRA shaped history. We look forward to an incredible new year of bargaining fair contracts and advocating for the strong public schools our educators and our students DESERVE!