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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Jane E.
The backpay we receive this month will 24/25 will include January AND February 2025
I haven’t received any as of yet.
Jane
Laura L.
I have a small, $355.22 pension from the state of Virginia. Was this deducted from my SSA monthly payments, and, if so, am I eligible to get this back?
C.B.
Hi, Laura. For security reasons, we do not have access to personal information in this venue. Please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to discuss your situation. Our National 800 number is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Keep in mind, wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month. We hope this helps.
Maria D.
Does the one-tine retroactive payment received in March 2025 include the payments for Jan and Feb 2025?
Also, will federal taxes be already be deducted in this one-time retroactive payment?
Rhonda
So we got the “big” LOL, deposit, but I would like to know how many months that covers. Is it 12 months (Dec. 2023 to Nov 2024) or is it 16 Months, Dec.2023 to March 2025. I would like to know if we divide the $6,000 by 12 or 16 to try and figure out what the actual monthly increase will be.
C.B.
Hi, Rhonda. 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. We hope this information helps.
Louise B.
My husband retired from teaching in the public schools for 38 years. He also had paid taxes and SS on his work after he retired. Will he be eligible for the new tax bonus? We live in California.
C.B.
Hi, Louise. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. Only people who receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security may see benefit increases. Most state and local public employees – about 72% – work in Social Security-covered employment where they pay Social Security taxes. Therefore, their benefits have not been reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). These individuals will not receive a benefit increase due to the new law. If your husband had a non-covered pension from his work as a teacher, he may receive back benefits and an increase on his Social Security benefit. For more information, visit our Social Security Fairness Act webpage. We hope this helps.
Grace S.
This is no time to be CUTTING SOCIAL SECURITY STAFF! Thankful for the Biden Social Security Fairness Act!
RODNEY
The bill was brought to congress by the previous administration but we do appreciate the now administration for not trying to block it THANKYOU!
Jayse G.
I am 51 years old and been on SSI after I got out of the military (honorable) and VA benefits since 2017 am I eligible for the doge payment. You guys may not know just hoping I guess.
M J.
My husband taught high school for over 41 years. He never paid into Social security. Is he eligible for this back payment?
C.B.
Hi, M J. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. Only people who receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security may see benefit increases. Most state and local public employees – about 72% – work in Social Security-covered employment where they pay Social Security taxes. Therefore, their benefits have not been reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). These individuals will not receive a benefit increase due to the new law. If your husband has a non-covered pension from his work as a teacher, he may receive back benefits and an increase in his own Social Security benefit. For more information, visit our Social Security Fairness Act webpage. If your husband has not already applied for spouse’s benefits on your work record, he may want to schedule an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Martin R.
Ive been on disabilty since 2002 and i still hsvent reached 2000 dsllors a month a man looking after a doughter on what i get sucks she deserves better