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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Virginia S.
Virginia S
I just lost my husband, do I qualify for any more SS. . I am a 77 year on nurse still trying to work
Reginald S.
I want to schedule an appointment with someone at social security. I’m having trouble logging into my account. I have other questions I want to ask that I don’t want in this message.
Mike S.
My wife taught school in NC for 30+ years. She passed away in April of 2024. She had been retired about 10 years. I am currently receiving her survivor retirement benefits. How can I know if I am eligible to receive any of her SS Fairness Act benefits and if so, will it come through SS as a deposit or be deposited from the State Employees account?
Janet T.
I am 70 years old, was draw benefits from my deceased husband of 41 years. Did start receiving his benefits until 65, I am receiving my benefits, not his anymore. Am I eligible for Social security retroactive payments. I have been in working since I was 14 years old.
Mary J.
I was public school teacher and I only had minimum SS quarters for part time private work. I was unable to apply for social security because of my 80% pension. Am i entitled to apply now? Will I get a back payment?
S.S.
Hi, Mary Jane. 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 you had a non-covered pension from your work as a teacher, you may receive back benefits and an increase on your own Social Security benefit. For more information, visit our Social Security Fairness Act webpage. We hope this helps.
Dornesa B.
I can’t afford dental they have been taking dental insurance out for years but they will only pay a couple hundred dollars off.i need help very bad.
Curt
THANK YOU. Joe
Michelle
I’m 57yrs and I had to apply for add
How do you know if qualified?
Judy
Terrible, terrible service, we need the reform. Waited a hour just to be hung up on. If this was a business, I would not do business with. My viewpoint is similar for most USA citizens
Rich C.
I called them today. I left my number and a nice lady called me back a few hours later. She answered all of my questions. I’ve always had good service when I dealt with SS. That said, I know others have had problems; no business is immune to them. But to say ‘most’ citizens feel this way simply isn’t true. And if you think firing a large number of workers under the guise of ‘reform’ will make things better, well, I have a bridge for sale…
L S.
Let’s be clear, Joe Biden and Congress approved this payment. T-rex HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS. He always takes credit for what he didn’t do.