Checking Your Texas Teacher Social Security Repeal Eligibility

For decades, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) were the “third rail” of Texas teacher finance. They were unfair, they were confusing, and they cost our educators thousands of dollars a year in lost benefits.

But as of January 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act is the law of the land. The wicked witch of WEP is dead.

Now comes the hard part: dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to actually get paid. If you are reading this in 2026, you likely have one burning question: When does my check arrive?

As a risk professional, I know that legislation is messy. Passing the bill was step one; implementation is step two. Here is everything you need to know about your Texas teacher social security repeal eligibility 2026 status and how to ensure you don’t leave a dime on the table.

Checking Your Texas Teacher Social Security Repeal Eligibility 2026

The repeal was blanket legislation, but the rollout is individual. The SSA is currently updating millions of files, and they don’t always get it right automatically.

You are eligible for a recalculation (and a higher check) if:

1. You have 40 credits: You worked enough “non-school” jobs (summer gigs, second careers) to qualify for Social Security on your own.
2. You are a Spousal Beneficiary: You were previously denied spousal or survivor benefits because of your TRS pension (the GPO penalty).
3. You are currently retired: The repeal is retroactive for payments moving forward, though it does not pay back-pay for the years the WEP was active before 2025.

If you fall into one of these buckets, your “WEP penalty” should disappear from your monthly statement this year. However, do not assume it happens by magic. Log in to your my Social Security account at SSA.gov today to verify your status.

The “Gap” Still Exists (Why You Need a 403(b))

Here is the reality check no one else is talking about: Social Security alone is not enough.

Even with the full WEP repeal, the average Social Security check is barely enough to cover basic living expenses in major cities like Austin or Dallas. The repeal restores what you earned, but it doesn’t make you wealthy.

This is where your personal savings strategy becomes critical. Now that you have a “floor” of Social Security income + your TRS pension, you can afford to take more calculated risks with your supplemental savings.

This is the perfect time to review your voluntary retirement plans. If you haven’t optimized your portfolio yet, you need to understand the difference between the two main options available to you. I wrote a comprehensive guide on this exact topic: The Ultimate Guide to 403(b) vs 457(b) for Texas Teachers.

In that guide, I explain why the 457(b) might offer the flexibility you need now that your Social Security income is unlocked.

Steps to Take Right Now

Don’t wait for a letter in the mail. Bureaucracy moves slowly, but your retirement timeline doesn’t.

1. Audit your SSA Statement: Check for the code “WEP” or “GPO” on your benefit breakdown. If it’s still there, file an appeal immediately.
2. Re-calculate your “Rule of 80”: With Social Security back in play, you might be able to afford retirement earlier than you thought.
3. Supercharge your savings: Take the “found money” you expect from Social Security and direct it into your own investment accounts.

Verifying your Texas teacher social security repeal eligibility status is just the beginning. The real victory isn’t just getting the money—it’s using it to build the future you deserve.