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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: General Information, Social Security benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Social Security Administration
Social Security Administration
Comments
Leave a Comment
Please review our Comment Policy before leaving a comment. For your safety, please do not post Personally Identifiable Information (such as your Social Security Number, address, phone number, email address, bank account number, or birthdate) on our blog.
Samantha G.
I was found disabled in 2024, I applied back in 2019 , will I be receiving retro pay ? I’ve been trying to understand
C.B.
Hi, Samantha. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. For your security, we do not have access to your private information in this venue. If you are referring to back pay, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. However, if you are referring to The Social Security Fairness Act, 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 work, 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.
Ian S.
Surprised the heck out of me when I checked my balance on friday! I had no idea this was a thing. Thank you President Biden.
garry
thank you
Joe M.
I received a deposit but nor sure if it is for WEP or GPO? Wife deceased in 2023. Local Soc Sec office returned my applic with notice of award amount but stated I am not qualified under GPO and received nothing. They enclosed a copy of GPO provision highlighted with Award letter. Requested Survivor bene but I am not “qualified.”
Carey S.
I retired from SSA in Dec 1998. I just received a deposit to my checking account in the amount of $23,909. No explanation other than it was noted “salary”. Is this a retroactive payment under the SS Fairness Act?
C.B.
Thank you for reading our blog, Carey. 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 is helpful.
Christine D.
Yes, I’m confused also. I don’t know if I’ll be getting small amnt more each month, or some weird large amount out of the blue?
CHRISTINE H.
I recently started receiving SSDI two months ago
Am I eligible for the extra money you talk about???
C.B.
Hi, Christine. 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 work, 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.
Luanne S.
I received a lump sum in my bank checking account. How do I know it was part of the WEP/GPO and not an error in disbursement by Social Security?
S.S.
Hi, Luanne. 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.
Kohn S.
Why is no one disscusing SSDI early retired WEP affected persons? No info , no payments, nothing when I called to speak to agent except “your record doesnt show anything but you are not retired you get disablity” . So sad that SSA agents do not even understand what disability retirement means.
Dave T.
I just spent three hours on hold to get the answer and the rep knew nothing about the payments.
DIANE Y.
? What is the increase
? When will we get the increase
? How much will it be
Elka M.
Prior to college I did summer work. During college and afterwards for about seven years, I was in the US Navy. I received an honorable discharge for the Navy for the convenience. The government as I was married and pregnant. I then worked for the VA civil service and Retired with a CSR annuity. I worked multiple jobs and was later eligible for Social Security, but was told I would receive a lower amount due to having work for the government, I have received no information as to whether I am eligible or not or whether I will get any money. I would just like to know what the status is and how I can go about finding out more about it
C.B.
Hi, Elka. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. 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. For more information, visit our Social Security Fairness Act webpage. We hope this helps.