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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Maria L.
Who will receive an extra payment because I receive social security and I would like to know if myself and if my mother will receive retroactive threw social security fairness act
S.S.
Hi, Maria. 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. For more information, visit our Social Security Fairness Act webpage. We hope this helps.
Marion L.
Just wondering when l might see mine. Many friends and colleagues have already received theirs.
Marion L.
Still wondering when.
Jan
I received a deposit from SS regarding a WEP one-time payment. I understand that in April we will receive a revision to our current benefits. Do we need to pay taxes on the one-time payment that was deposited into our bank accounts?
Harold K.
My wife and I suddenly received a large deposit in our Joint Checking account with no explanation. I think this may be the source of this unexplained large deposit and apparently is not some SCAM/FRAUD as we had feared or a giant mistake from the new uncontrolled federal government. This is another case of poor planning and lack of information coming out of Washington now.
Joseph l.
I am receiving a retroactive payment. Why will my ss benefit be reduced by 225$ per month beginning in April 2025?
Elizabeth I.
Why is my social security taxable? I receive a retirement check from TDCJ, together it’s hardly enough to live on. I feel this is a bit extreme for the government to tax old people. I am over 70,just saying.
Sarah S.
Ive been reaching SSA for months,since August 2024. My mother still has NOT received her survivor benefits, i am so frustrated dealing with this, she’s owed since May of last year,called countless times,went to the office, sent out a mail,no response.
C.B.
Hi, Sarah. We’re sorry to hear you have not received the level of customer service you expected when assisting your mom. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form, where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. Please call us at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak to a supervisor. Note that wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month. Thanks for reading our blog.
Lisa W.
Most of my teacher friends received their WEP a week ago. I have not. I worked 24 years in the private sector before going into the public school sector for another 11 years. Our tax accountant calls everyday as we are ready to file our income tax….this is holding it up.
Larry R.
Lisa, if you were paid in 2025 for your backpay of 2024, you will file that money in your 2025 income tax next year.
Fanny P.
I would like to know why letters or information to others who were not receiving this payment are not updated. Some are getting it others not clearly explained why not. I read the info still not getting this my husband paid into public service for years has not seen anything.
Kerry F.
I saw a deposit in our account when i checked it this morning, but we’ve received no letter of explanation and his online account does not document it
John S.
At least you got payment.
Kimberly C.
Fanny, The ones who are getting retroactive monies is because they had to work their 40 quarters and all those earnings they paid INTO Social Security. If they work in such places
ie., Railroads, Teachers or in the Texas Education field that did NOT pay into Social Security, but worked their 40 quarters.
Kimberly C.
Fanny, WHY did you assume you were getting any money from
Social Security? Did you w work 40 quarters.
Mattie F.
They took all my cheeks I don’t get nothing now They suppose to just get 10%
Mattie F.
They took all my cheeks I don’t get nothing now They suppose to just get 10% ss said they not going to give me nothing they do what they want to
Joseph L.
I am a retired postal employee I started my career in 1969 I am receiving around 270 dollars in social security benefits am I eligible for the social security benefits under BIDEN act. My friends all received there benefits already
Ruby R.
My husband worked with united postal services and had the 40 units to received social security. I was wondering if quailfy since he did no pay to social security under postal services
S.S.
Hi, Ruby. 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.