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.
Alice G.
My husband worked for USPS for 36 years but did not pay Social Security as Governet employee. I worked for more than 32 years and paid SS. My husband has an account with SS and completed an application. how can he get part of my Social Security?
S.S.
Hi, Alice. 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 Acwebpage. We hope this helps.
Philip J.
When will I get my retroactive back pay
Sharon C.
I receive Social Security payments on my husband death will I be eligible for the the money that they’re giving back to people.
C.B.
Hi, Sharon. We’re sorry for your loss. To check if your husband’s heirs may be due a repayment, fill out a Claim for Amounts Due in the Case of a Deceased Beneficiary (Form SSA-1724) (PDF), and send the completed form to your local Social Security office to review. Thanks for reading our blog.
Bermiso m.
When will I get my retroactive pay
S.S.
Hi, Bermiso. 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.
Wilma J.
I would like to know if I am eligible for retroactive payments.
S.S.
Hi, Wilma. 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.
C.B.
Hi, Philip. 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.
Jesus B.
Am I getting backpayment on my social security or increase my small social security due to my Military Retirement and Civil Service Retirement.
Respectfully Yours, Thank you
C.B.
Hi, Jesus. Thanks for reading our blog and for your questions. Earnings for active-duty military service or active-duty training have been covered under Social Security since 1957. Only people who receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security – a “non-covered pension” – are affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). If you do not receive a non-covered pension, you will not receive a benefit increase due to the Social Security Fairness Act. For more information, read Military Service and Social Security. We hope this helps.
EARL J.
WHAT IS REPLY?
IT EFFECS ME.
THANKS.
Teresa C.
I was shocked when I got my widow/spousal refund. I’ve been penalized for 12 years. My late husband paid dearly into the system , never drew much before he passed. This refund apples to you, if you retired from federal civil service under the original pension plan. I understood I could not draw on my own SSA record. However, my spouse died 12 yrs ago and I lost a large portion of my widow/ spousal benefit. There is a very large pool of us who are finally getting our just do. When congress originally enacted this penalty and called it double dipping, we’ll it just wasn’t right! THANK YOU
Fran P.
I recently received a lump sum which was retroactive to January 2024. The reason given was that I received a pension so I was shorted on my monthly payments which started out less than $140/month for the first year and increased only $27 afterwards. I’ve NEVER had a pension which I told SSA from the start and sent proof. Also I’ve NEVER received a cost of living raise unless that $27 counted for that. I will be communicating with President Trump about my treatment from SSA.
Mrs R.
How do me and my husband find out if we’re getting the extra payment?
Alice G.
My husband worked 36 years for USPS but did not pay SS. i worked more then 32 years and paid SS. How can he get part of my SSA
Darla W.
Michael C Webber worked for the federal government. Will he get refund?
Gayla T.
Will i be receiving extra payment?
C.B.
Hi, Gayla. 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.
Gayla.T
Will i receive extra payment
C.B.
Hi, Rita. 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 and your husband had a non-covered pension from work, you both may receive back benefits and an increase on your Social Security benefit. For more information, visit our Social Security Fairness Act webpage. We hope this helps.
Graceann G.
I’m am a window collecting on my husband’s social security. He was a postal worker for 28 years. He pasted away 9/12/2014. Will I be getting the back pay for the Fairness Act?
C.B.
Hi, Graceann. We’re sorry for your loss. To check if your husband’s heirs may be due a repayment, fill out a Claim for Amounts Due in the Case of a Deceased Beneficiary (Form SSA-1724) (PDF), and send the completed form to your local Social Security office to review. Thanks for reading our blog.
John P.
SSA has withheld 1/6th of our Social Security Fairness Act remitance (~$1,100 of ~7,350) without our permission despite disingenuously suggesting it was “voluntary” in their letter. It is nothing of the kind. We pay our taxers on April 15th and any (we are in a very low income bracket) taxes (if any) due would be on 4-15-26!
In the meantime, we have a leaky roof on our home we cannot afford to repair and a collapsing barn. The letter says we can “appeal”, but this is time consuming and burdensome.
How is it the SSA helps itself to my wife’s payments w/o asking us for our permission, but not mine? Where does this arrogance come from. We do not want SSA managing our income or our tax returns. In effect, they are hi-jacking my wife’s reimbursement payments through the Social Security Fairness Act depriving us of the use of it for the next 15 months including interest. What gives? How do we stop this arrogance and appropriation?
Angela W.
I do not work for the state or federal I’m just retired on ss do I qualify for fairness act
C.B.
Hi, Angela. 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.
Jackie L.
I haven’t received my SSA direct deposit yet. When can I expect to see my deposit in my account?
C.B.
Hi, Jackie. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. If you are referring to your regular monthly payment and have not received it on the scheduled pay date, please contact your bank or financial institution first. If you still need to report a late, missing, or stolen Social Security payment, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are referring to the retroactive payment, 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.
Tina B.
There needs to be laws in place for people on SSD. No landlord can charge SSD recipients more than 25% of there check. How are we supposed to live? Half my check goes to rent. I can’t afford a car. Car insurance constantly goes up but I have zero accidents for over 30 years.
This is ridiculous.
Pam
There needs to be a percentage a landlord can charge for rent for anybody on social security
My check is 1400 and my rent is 1300
Doug M.
Is the lump sum I just received from SSA taxable in the year 2026?
Thereza N.
I am on disability and they deduct money from my payment as they please not even a notice to inform me plus the SS is getting a low 2% increase a year what in 10 years made me go practically homeless in Florida only blacks or ppl that know how to manipulate the system gets Housing Assistance ! Horrible situation this month they took $550, from my $940, monthly Disability what cause to not be able to pay my rent (a room) they claim they sent me a letter Friday 28 of February letting me know the monday 3 of march i was going to go homeless ! Who thinks that is a letter of notice ? How can they mail me a day before the event telling me about it ? They did the same last year September and promissed to return since was a mistake- i call every month and oh isn’t authorized yet ! Really ? How they think we will pay for living ?
Preston G.
You will only be able to live in a tent and provide yourself with the bare necessities basics only you will die in poverty on the streets based on the current SSI payment I cannot afford to live in a Mobile home Park campground or motel it is sad but true disabled Americans such as myself I was disabled in 1987 with three broken vertebrae in my neck as a passenger in a vehicle we should be paid equal to what military personnel who are disabled are paid had I been physically capable I would have went into the military and retired from the military but due to my disability I could not join the military and now I am forced to survive on 800 or less a month it’s not fair it’s not humane it indignifies you as a human being it turns you from a forthright proud American into a disgruntled poor unhealthy disgruntled homeless person who ends up helpless and hopeless and homeless it is a disgusting fact that disability does not afford you the luxury of living in a mobile home aged mobile home at that older mobile home in a run-down community in Florida where I live you simply cannot live on SSI it is an insult to humanity it is an insult to all the men who lived and died protecting our country and my disability was due to no fault of my own I was a passenger in a car that had a head-on collision with another car and for that my entire life turned for the worst and I never attempted to go on disability because I didn’t know I could because I never worked I was a minor when I broke my neck I should be drawing equal to my father’s as the law reads I’m entitled to disabled minor child social security based off of my father’s income but I have been screwed over thoroughly I was placed on SSI without my knowledge and consent and without being fully informed as to the insufficient some of monthly money that is an insult to humanity it is disgustingly indignant that our government treats disabled Americans like garbage unwanted I needed unable to work it’s as if they want you to suffer beyond your disability they want you to mentally be anguished emasculated and outright depressed and yourself worth drops solo you simply lose the desire to live your life
Thomas S.
Why are you being racist against black people? The very fact you mentioned a color at all shows your racism.. by the way I am a disabled veteran. White man
Mary P.
Thank You for Speaking Out!
It’s not just Blk ppl! She’s full of it!
John P.
They do the same to us, withheld 1/6th of my wifes Social Security Fairness act remittance (for potential taxesm, they claim) w/o our permission and w/o any authority I know of. They just do it. This prevents us from being able to repair our leaky roof in the meantime (15 months) and ignores the fact we are in a very low income bracket any my wife already has the OOPM withhold 10% of her CSRS payments for tax purposes–the difference being she voluntaary made uch arrangements. But NOT in this instance. SSA just helps itself by effectively borrowing the money without our consent.
Paul L.
I am Homeless in Seattle I was getting 963 a month, now I’m down to 800 a month SSDI took my payment to pay Medicare & Medicaid,,, Unbelievable .
Paul L.
I am Homeless in Seattle I was getting 963 a month, now I’m down to 800 a month SSDI took my payment to pay Medicare & Medicaid,,, Unbelievable .
Mary H.
I bet that the deduction of such a large sum was illegal. They’re supposed to give you a choice to repay over several months of smaller deductions. Your letter would say how to appeal. Get help with filing the appeal and file within 60 days, if you can: Request for Reconsideration, Form SSA-561-U2. Your librarian can help you find the form online and print it. Or go to your congressman’s office, or senator’s office, to get help. They can make your case important so you won’t be ignored. (Praying for you!)
Lori W.
Do you seriously believe that “ Blacks”
Is a Racist remark.?
Do you really believe that only “ Blacks” get housing or people who scam the system.? Low income people regardless of color, ethnicity or gender are eligible for housing under the fair housing act. If you live in Florida you need to call the Housing Authority in your country. Apply for help with housing.
Your comment was not just Racist it is shows you are a bigot.
If you have the time to write such a hateful message. You have the time to advocate for yourself. There are plenty of resources in Florida that can help you get housing through the Housing Authority which your rent is based on your income.
Low income people are eligible for housing under. The fair housing act allows people with low income to apply and receive a voucher to get into a place of your own and not just a room.
So, please stop saying they only help the “ Blacks”. Your racism might not help much considering most of the Housing Authority people who will help you are of color. Not the “ Blacks”
Don’t bite the hands that help you
God bless you ma’am