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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Laura H.
I have recieved my SS back pay. But when will my husband get his. Randy Hopstetter 3316 is the last 4 digits of his SS#.
Sincerely
Laura Hopstetter
Terry
You should not put personal information on this site.
Jim C.
Too much info. This is not secure.
Lisa
You are a real fool for putting your husband information up here! Are you crazy? Social Security isn’t gonna respond to your question because it violates HIPPA! Are you o. The short bus or what?
Pat
Too harsh and not your place.
Peggy H.
Can you say what order the retroactive SSA payments are sent out and is it weekly or daily?
Thanks for your assistance.
Stella
What happens when and if SS benefits are taken away?
Robert F.
Other than receiving the SSA deposits to my designated account, how will I know if I qualify for retroactive reimbursement?
Liss
Can y’all stop asking crazy questions that’s is in the statement from Social Security? READ READ READ AND STOP ASKING QUESTIONS THAT THE ANSWERS ARE IN SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENT ABOUT ANYONE THAT MAY QUALIFY!!!! Smh
David D.
Why didn’t I get a retroactive payment of 6,710.00 dollars…
Dh
I guess they forgot you.
royaloaker
$6,710. payment received with 2024 income tax refund.thanks to bilateral support & president Biden for signing.
Amparo
Agree
Martha L.
Who can I call to see if I qualify for this retroactive pay?
S.S.
Hi, Martha. Thanks for reading our blog. Anyone whose monthly benefit is adjusted, or who will get a retroactive payment, will receive a mailed notice from Social Security explaining the benefit change or retroactive payment. Most people will receive their retroactive payment two to three weeks before they receive their notice in the mail. To determine any actions you may need to take, please read the answer to the question, What should people do now that the Social Security Fairness Act is law? on our Social Security Fairness Act webpage. We hope this helps.
Sandra J.
Which president wanted this to go into effect as quickly as possible? Our current president, Trump, or our previous president, Biden? This is unclear and potentially misleading. As Trump is working to reduce social safety net benefits, I find it hard to believe that he wants this to move forward swiftly.
Susan
The WEP and GOP have been in place since Ronald Reagan administration. Signing the act law was former President Joe Biden saying it would permanently boost Social Security benefits.
Hill F.
Thank the politicians under Biden… it took more than 40 years to rectify this situation. Never thought I would see it in my lifetime. Thank you President Biden for signing this law.
Jacqueline H.
It was Trunp who wanted to expedite this right away.
Martha
Sure and president Musk TOO! Don’t be ignorant, get your sources straight! They are chopping all the benefits to the most needed! Don’t you watch the news?
Demi
Ya before Trump fired -unconstitutionally, illegally- 7,000 SSA employees thereby collapsing the agency and he had to piggyback on Biden’s work to take credit again for someone else’s work before doing harm. His best task, he does daily destruction. Ignorance is bliss. Wilful ignorance is dangerous and should be exiled.
Jennifer S.
We were looking to over a year ago, then Trump said ASAP
Kurt S.
So, I didn’t read anything about those who received SSI, guess we are SOL. You know, I don’t want to give a sob story but while my fiance was alive we were barely making it on disability. Now, it’s just me (God rest her soul) and after the bills are paid I’m left with anywhere between 50 – 150 dollars and that doesn’t include necessities and food, and this is perfect month. I haven’t seen my side of the family in almost 20 years because it’s impossible to save much (if any) for a trip. I just don’t get it… don’t I matter? Guess not!!
les l.
where is my payment? worked and paid taxes for over 30 years and then was disabled by a bad presciption and was denided socaial securty until I got a lawyer by then I lost everthing, including my house and all my savings trying to survive. sounds like more fake news to me
Catherine H.
I agree. I don’t know anyone in the middle or low-income level who has received a dime.
The value of my savings has gone down since January. All of my prescription drug prices went up.