Biden Signs Law to Increase Social Security Benefits for Millions

Supporters say the law finally removes limits imposed on benefits for public servants. Critics say it will speed up the Social Security program’s insolvency.

U.S. President Joe Biden signs the Social Security Fairness Act during an event in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 5, 2025. Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

President Joe Biden on Jan. 5 signed into law a bill that would increase Social Security benefits for millions of U.S. citizens who have worked in eligible public service fields.

The bill, dubbed the Social Security Fairness Act, specifically boosts benefits for about 3 million U.S. citizens who have worked in public jobs, particularly affecting those who received state and local pensions separate from Social Security.