The Social Security Fairness Act: Evaluating Potential Impact, Limitations, and Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice.

Abstract

The impact of laws and policies that involve social determinants of health (SDOH), particularly among older, retired populations, needs to be considered as a public health intervention. The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law in 2025, as a new amendment to the Social Security Act first introduced in 1935. The Social Security Fairness Act ends two provisions that have reduced benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers and for public service workers, which include teachers, fire fighters, police officers, nurses, and others who are receiving pensions from state or local government. Specifically, this new bill involves economic stability, which is considered an important SDOH for older adults. The purpose of the current article is to evaluate policy changes through the Social Security Fairness Act, including potential impact and benefits, limitations or unintended consequences, and implications and recommendations for future research, policy, and practice. Findings will help guide gerontological nurses and interprofessional researchers, clinicians, and educators promoting healthy aging. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 51(2), 7-12.].