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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David
So more people will get some of the money I worked over 50 years and contributed to my fund?? If you didn’t contribute, you shouldn’t collect‼️ What’s the reasoning behind this. More money that won’t be available for those of us that worked our butts off for? Where’s the DOGE DUDE when you need him ? If you were self employed, there were SS taxes that were supposed to be paid. This money was just supposed to be an additional source for retirement, not your pension.
I’m so tired of this giving away money to these lazy, illegal, etc, etc, etc.freeloaders, and the governing bodies giving it all away, because they feel guilty in their own lives. They are mothering them
RussP
Shouldn’t be anyone who hasn’t paid getting any “adjustment.” The change is RESTORING a benefit that was taken away from people who had paid in. Prior to my Federal service, I paid into social security during all my previous jobs, including military service. During the Reagan administration, he and the Congress unilaterally decided that we who had paid in didn’t deserve the benefit simply because we were in the Federal system and used a formula to cut it.
Joy W.
The article doesn’t explain what a SSA beneficiary needs to do to collect the retroactive benefit due?
T.Y.
Hi, Joy. 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.
Virginia L.
My concern is that I am living paycheck to paycheck and sometimes I can’t afford my medicine. I really need an increase in my monthly benefits.
Ws c.
Does this only apply to government workers?
Sidney W.
Medicare premium $174.70 was withheld from my retroactive pay for 2024. This had already been withheld because my monthly benefit was $133.00 and was applied toward the premium. In addition I paid out of pocket $530.40 to make up the difference.
Joe r.
Haven’t gotten mine yet what’s going on
Marilyn L.
Did President Joe Biden create into law the Fair Act For Social Security?
Paul S.
After 8 years of trying to get my disability approved I finally got it but I got just two years of backpay. I was told that I was not disabled until after my 50th birthday . So the 5 years prior I had all the same ailments just not the right age. Don’t get me wrong I am glad that I was granted my disability just be nice to get the full retro pay from the date I first started my uphill battle of ss disability
Joe D.
Will the 2024/25 payment be considered 2025 taxable income? Will it be included on our annual 1099? I am age 65.
Joe
Ron R.
Yes, it is considered income in the year it was paid, so make sure you put some money aside for any taxes you may owe.
Cffgg
Do you pay taxes on ssa now?
Daver
Of course I will have to pay taxes on SS Income. I live in Ohio…… Unless Trump eliminates taxing Social Security benefits.
Rose
Taxable in year received
Harry
Any responses to this yet?
Elise S.
If you are referring to the retro lump sum payment, from reading the FAQ, it will be included in your 2025 1099. I can’t tell if federal tax was withheld in the retro lump sum payment. If tax was not withheld, it could put you in a higher tax bracket for 2025.
VH
It will be for 2025 tax filing.
sophia s.
I have not eny more increc in my ss for very long time and I am handy cop sinior siteson please respond thank u sscott112535@gmail.com
SALLY
ANOTHER GREAT TRUMP IDEA
gwen w.
Really!!! This was initiated before Trump, give him the credit, right!
John Q.
Another idiotic idea that will make SS run out of money that much sooner, which will hurt everyone who DID pay their fair share of SS taxes. Why should anyone who DIDN’T pay SS taxes on their salaries get SS benefits???
Paul
No, this was worked on by teachers, firemen, and other state employees for many years, finally signed by Biden. But of course we know who will take credit.
Aisha M.
Not! Enacted by Biden… read about it😊
mary h.
Was approved Jan 5.
Ron R.
Although President was in favor of The Social Security Fairness Act, many people have been trying for WEP/ GPO repeal for 40 years. I think his opinion may have helped gain support from Republicans in Congress and Senate to push it over the line this time, though.
Cffgg
Biden did it!
zeekers
Wrong. Biden signed the paperwork while he was in office. Trump had nothing to do with it.
Maria V.
This was not a Trump idea at all. Please quit giving him credit for something he did not have anything to do with. Biden signed the Fairness Act which made this happen. Please let’s see you thank Biden and Congress.
Pam
It was signed January 5, 2025 by President Biden!
Mother
On purpose so it goes broke faster.
Sam
This was literally proposed and signed before Trump came into office. Thank the government processes for continuing on DESPITE his games with American lives
Lynn
The bill passed the House in November 2024 and then passed the Senate in December. It was signed into law by President Biden on January 5, 2025.
Cheryl W.
BS!!!! Another Biden Administration success. Signed into law January 5, 2025!!!! Thanks Joe
Paula
This was signed into law by President Biden and the initial law was passed by the GOP
Margaret L.
President Joe Biden signed the act into law Jan. 5, 2025.
Lorena
At what cost. He fired all of those Federal employees. He’s disgusting.
Allen
President Biden signed this into law, not Trump. But nice try.
Simon
Thanks to democratic senator Sherrod brown Joe Biden singed the bill not trump
Glen H.
One of the many.
ME
No, President Biden signed this Act before he left office (January 5, 2025).
Judy
This was passed by both houses and signed by president Biden.
MAJ
The Social Security Fairness Act was passed December 21, 2024 under the previous administration.
https://ma.aft.org/news/aft-massachusetts-celebrates-passage-social-security-fairness-act
Michael C.
Sally why do you think trump ever thought about anything or anybody other than himself.Slow down on the Kool aid.
Harry
Repealed by previous Administration
MJGPhillips
Started under President Biden. Everything ain’t about the clown. If he had his way he would make SSA rescind the payments.
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/business/money-report/the-social-security-fairness-act-could-boost-payments-for-more-than-3-2-million-americans-see-who-qualifies/3804366/
ROBIN P.
Thank you for allowing me to apply. When I am going to get my Social security Retirement Retro all with the new Benefits Increase under Fairness Act. As an American Citizenship Native Born you need money 💰🙏. I the Applicant Homeless and I have Social Security I never received. Retiree under Name Robin Porter other names added after I Glory Robin Diane Porter Cooke Glory and Missionary Porter was there but Glory added after Retirement. Glory Wardlaw
Retirement 4/14/2004 Enough Work credits on books to Retire age 39 39th Birthday 02/19/2004. $211584 16years due from 04/14/2004 to 02/19/2020. To Start
Tax ID 🆔 Number or Social Security number 🆔 which iD me ,093601734 No call please just send Checks Paper Checks if Mineola Social security Office did not submit Direct Deposit information. Reminder I had no telephone no phone when I Retired. I had a mail address and a USA Picture New York State Driver License. The only Picture ID. A Benefit came after I Retired although picture Finger Printed was Taken for EBT Card Plastic Card with picture. The Mineola Social Security office has benefit card copy in office at the 211 Station Rd 5TH Fl Mineola New York 11501. Office Where I Retired in person
Rob D.
Silly Sally: The Act was passed in a bipartisan vote in the House and Senate and signed into law by Biden.
Smoore
Why is it great? These people didn’t pay into SS so he’s giving them money they did not earn. OPEN YOUR DAMN EYES
Bridgett S.
Biden is the one who got it passed trump is trying to take credit. He implemented the fairness act right before he left office look it up
Elise S.
Not sure if you are being sarcastic. Either way, paying out billions retroactively is going to make a dent in what is available to retirees in the future. It appears no withholding was taken out so folks might be in a higher income tax bracket for 2025.
Lori Q.
Biden approved it before he left office
Td
Biden signed this into law not Trump
Dee
Pres.Biden implemented this act before he left office. You are misinformed.
Ray R.
It was President Biden that passed the SS Fareness Act in Nov 2024 that repealed WEP & GPO – Trump had absolutely nothing to do with this legislation “idea” or otherwise.
Chris
Fyi… the Social Security Fairness Act was first introduced in 2002. It finally passed a bipartisan Congress last November. President BIDEN signed it into law in January. Facts matter!
Theresa B.
This was signed into law under President Biden
Laura P.
The ss fairness act was a Joe Biden signed by him on January 5, 2025.
Elizabeth B.
Biden approved this before he left office.
Joyce B.
This was Joe Biden’s plan passed while he was in office and set to go into effect March 5, 2025. Trump is taking credit for it. It is not his bill.
Jason O.
It was not his idea. It was part of a Biden signing program before he left office in January. Thankfully, DT did not executive -order its abolishment.
MP
Respectively this was implemented by the Biden administration in January before he left.
Vitaloo
You don’t have a clue but that Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law by President Biden on January 5th it had nothing to do with that idiot Trump and is illegal employee must who are destroying our country. But what am I saying, Maga people can’t read so I guess you couldn’t figure it out
Belle
BIDEN repealed this before he left office 😉
Kathy E.
President Biden did this it was his last act as president. Get that straight right off. People need to be aware that Trump does not get credit for this.
KRISTINE H.
This was started under Biden administration.
Dede J.
Please research how many legislatures worked to have this passed and see that it was signed by President Biden. Trump had nothing to do with the passage.
Claudia
Sally, the legislation authorizing these payments was signed by President Biden.
Laurie g.
Biden did this. Once again trump lies.
Terry Y.
He’s just fattening the frog for the snake.
Lee
FYI, this was passed by Congress last year and signed into law by then President Biden.