Social Security Pays Billions of Dollars in Retroactive Payments
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: March 5, 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) today shared its significant progress to quickly implement the Social Security Fairness Act. Through March 4, 2025, SSA has already paid 1,127,723 people more than $7.5 billion in retroactive payments. The retroactive payments are the result of the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The average retroactive payment so far is $6,710.
“President Trump made it very clear he wanted the Social Security Fairness Act to be implemented as quickly as possible,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “We met that challenge head on and are proudly delivering for the American people.”
The WEP and GPO provisions reduced or eliminated the Social Security benefits for over 3.2 million people who receive a pension based on work that was not covered by Social Security (a “non-covered pension”) because they did not pay Social Security taxes.
The agency continues to pay remaining retroactive payments and is ready to begin paying higher monthly benefit payments beginning in April for people’s March benefit.
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Shirley B.
I went onto my social security account and wanted to make sure my CalSTRs payment were correct, but could not find it. I know they have been taking money out of my SS pay but I was never told how much or be able to update CalSTR payment.
Ron R.
If you were currently receiving Social Security, you should have your retroactive payment by the end of March and your March payment (which is paid in April) should be your new monthly benefit. You may want to adjust your tax witholding so you dont end up owing taxes next year.
Cynthia
Does this include RR retirement?
Ron
If your social security benefit or was reduced by wep or gpo because you were receiving a pension from work not covered by social security, then yes
Colleen
Are the retro checks distributed in any certain order, alpha, years, classification?
Ron R.
I dont know of any particular order, but retroactive payments should all be paid by the end of march, and your March benefit (which is paid in April) will be the new monthly amount.
Carolyn m.
I am a retired federal government employee who is under the CSRS Offset retirement system. Am I eligible for these benefits?
Ron R.
Yes, and it should be automatic. You should get retroactive pay by end of March and your March benefit (which is paid in April), should be the new amount
T.Y.
Hi, Carolyn. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. People who receive both a pension based on work not covered by Social Security and a Social Security benefit (retirement, spouse, disability, or survivor) may receive an increase. Please visit our Social Security Fairness Act webpage to learn more. We hope this helps.
Kelly M.
Will resident who received other Gov’t subsidies such as Section 8 housing need to report this income and will it affect the eligibility or level of benefits?
Ron R.
Yes, receiving Social Security back pay resulting from the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) under the Social Security Fairness Act could potentially affect eligibility for other government subsidies or benefits, as increased income may alter income thresholds used to determine eligibility. Make sure you have an adequate amount witheld to cover any tax implications or loss of subsidies
p r.
If I receive my deceased husbands soc sec will I receive retro and adjustment going forward?
zeekers
Yes you will. I’m collecting on my husband’s social security and I received it.
T.Y.
Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. People who receive both a pension based on work not covered by Social Security and a Social Security benefit (retirement, spouse, disability, or survivor) may receive an increase. Please visit our Social Security Fairness Act webpage to learn when you can expect retroactive benefits and an increase in your monthly benefit amount. We hope this helps.
James D.
I have received my back pay within the last two days. There’s no statement, just a deposit in my checking acct. My concern is with the tax implications; was the check I just received taxable? If so, was the received deposit “after taxes were withheld?”
Sharon G.
I have searched my online account for the 1099 for my retroactive payment. I have no access. What recourse do I have?
Ron R.
You should receive your retroactive payment by the end of March. Your benefit for March (which is paid in April), will be the new monthly amount The retroactive payment and additional income will be on the 1099 for 2025, so make sure to have enough money witheld to cover increased taxes.
S.S.
Hi, Sharon. Thanks for using our blog. You can request a replacement SSA-1099 using your personal my Social Security account. If you cannot access your online account, our automated services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 1-800-772-1213. When you hear “How can I help you today?” say “1099″. We hope this information is helpful.
FRANK
I retired from the government in 1996 i was under the CSRS from 1973 till the change over in 1984 my social security has been reduced do I expect to get retro active payments Thank You
Priscilla H.
How do I find out if I am entitled to this ?
Pat
How will I find out if I’m entitled to this or is this for all people on Social Security?
Denise L.
I am a retired teacher in California and a widow, am I eligible?
JAMIE R.
Are people on site eligible for this program,
T.Y.
Hi, Priscilla. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. People who receive both a pension based on work not covered by Social Security and a Social Security benefit (retirement, spouse, disability, or survivor) may receive an increase. Please visit our Social Security Fairness Act webpage to learn when you can expect retroactive benefits and an increase in your monthly benefit amount. We hope this helps.