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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TJ
I appreciate the Biden administration signing this into law.
Sharon W.
Were state and federal taxes withheld or will we pay on next year’s tax return?
Emmitt B.
No clue when retro will hit my account, doing the math they owe me 7,800 it hard to be patient when money is flying out. 0000. in to my bank account thus far!
Sion B.
How can I get the $6,000.00
steve
I got mine march 5th for $1661. Then I got a letter explaining it 10 days later.
Paul L.
That’s true I’m a Vet Honerable, 3 expert medals, Help build a National Guard building ,state court House , pipelines, , power plants, skyscraper, bridges, ethanol plants ,Head gate Dam, Houses, Hyways, fine Arts building College, I’m on chump change, 963 then the government took 170 $ back to pay for Medicare & Medicaid.
Dwayne W.
When will it hit my zip code?
Jan S.
Is there a list of individuals that will be getting the Fairness Act benefit. A few of my friends have received checks already ranging from 6500 to 9200. Will we be notified by email or on our social security account site or does it just show up.
Susan B.
It looks like it’s just going to show up.
steve
I got mine March 5th for $1661. Then 10 days later I got a letter explaining the payment. it just showed up in my checking account. I wish they explained how they calculated the payment.
Linda
I have been trying to find out who gets it and who don’t for hours. No results.
C.B.
Hi, Linda. 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.
Thank you for reading our blog, Jan. 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. 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.
Ferdinand z.
I was not aware what this bill becoming law meant for me. So I was very surprised that I got a big check deposited into my account. I was thinking it must be a mistake and transferred the money into my savings to be out of that account.
Then I got the letter from SS that explained what happened.
Thank you President Trump to push it to be executed.
Juan C.
I qualify for retroactive pay for 2024. My benefit verification letter gives my past benefit January 2024-November 2024 and gives the new amount. My question is do I get 11 months or 12 months retroactive pay for 2024. Then start December 2024 with update COLA and first payment in January 2025.
Bonita B.
I retired 2007 from SDCERA. I also have not received any notice or correspondence, letter or Lump sum reimbursement regarding the Fairness Act Program. How do I find out what my status is? It is now March 19, 2025 and many people have received their awards. I have not.
S.S.
Hi, Bonita. 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.
Christine M.
I retired 2006 and I have not received any letters and there is no documented information on my SSA account regarding my WEP retroactive payments. All of my information is up to date. I want to know when will that information show up. Lot of people are receiving payments and letters. When will I receive my payments.
S.S.
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.
Barbara K.
Will I receive a reimbursement check . I retired in 2008 for FFAC 35 years service history, date of birth between 1st and the 7th of the month
Karen P.
Retired 2010 under CSRS Offset. My birthday is on the 16th. All my info at ssa web site account is up to date. As is of today I have received no notice, letter or lump sum payment in my direct deposit account. I read that I should have received something by now. Where is my Fairness Act payment?
This is my second post.
Eddy M.
eddywedertz@outlook.com
Dennis M.
I am in the same boat. 28 years CSRS with post office.
I called SS this morning and was told” you qualify, they just haven’t got to you yet”…
Told to give them to April 1.🤷🤷🤷🤷
Marilyn
What number did you call to see if you qualify?
Thanks
S.S.
Hi, Marilyn. 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.
S.S.
Hi, Karen. 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. For information about the Fairness Act, visit our Social Security Fairness Act webpage. We hope this helps.
Joel B.
As a retired Fire Fighter I’m looking for info on a boost in pay as a result of the recent bill signed into law.
Kathy D.
Still haven’t recieved mine.
Dennis M.
Me either.