In 2025, significant changes to the Social Security Administration's regulations will enhance benefits for widows and divorced spouses, particularly those associated with government employment. Approximately 2.5 million individuals are expected to benefit from these adjustments, which stem from the Social Security Fairness Act signed by President Joe Biden in January 2025. The new rules eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which previously reduced benefits for many. As a result, widows and divorced spouses can now claim a higher percentage of their spouse's Social Security benefits, with potential increases of $1,000 or more monthly for some. For instance, the National Education Association reported that its members could see an average increase of $360 per month, while the International Association of Fire Fighters indicated some members might receive up to $587 more. Individuals in these categories are encouraged to contact the Social Security Administration to verify their eligibility for increased payments.