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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EB
The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on 1/5/25 by President Joe Biden. Trump had nothing to do with it and I resent him jumping on the band-wagon and trying to take credit.
Bette A.
Hello all,
I am not clear if I will receive retro check if I retired March 2024. Most everyone I know retired prior 2024 already received letter and the retro check.
I have not received anything so I am curious if I’m eligible for retro check??
I already receive SS check that is reduced since I also have a pension from government employment.
I understand beginning next month everyone will receive increase due to windfall elimination.
I am patiently waiting but losing hope that I will get retro check.
jim g.
We are only get payment for one year. they start our payment on what we got the first year retirement. Why not what we were receiving after the law was passed? Do we have the right to sue for all those years that they denied our actual payment? Under the fourth amendment we have the right that our effects, pensions, cannot be unreasonable seized without probable cause. With the Congress voting to eliminate the Windfall, I would say this is admission that they realize they were at fault. We should receive payment for all the years we were denied, including the colas.
aaron w.
I have not received my retroactive payment for the social security fairness act. I have been verified by my local ssa office and I have been tld by a ssa representative what my payout would be and that I would be receiving monthly ssa payments .As of 3/31/2025 I have not received a deposit of my retroactive pay out.
S. W.
What about people on disability. SSDI.
Will we be reimbursed for money we were shorted?
Michael W.
I have been waiting patiently for what I believed to be paid back for an injustice that had been done to us unfairly for years. It is March 30 an have heard from co workers that had received there lump sum . Have I been punished for something I did wrong or do I have hope left . I served as a police officer for 30 years and at this point in my life I could really use the financial help. I am 72 years old and have paid into ss 9 years before becoming an officer and on most off duty jobs. I also worked as a part time deputy for 15 years.
EB
I’m glad for you and for me. The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on 1/5/25 by President Joe Biden. Trump had nothing to do with it and I resent him jumping on the band-wagon and trying to take credit.
Don S.
You are not alone Michael. I too, a teacher for many years in MA, am also waiting for the benefits that have been promised. At age 89 and given our government bureaucracy, I hope to live long enough to see the extra income. Keep the faith and remember that the lump sum payment will be extended from 1/24 until our money arrives.
Carmen B.
I was able to talk to SSA Rep. they returned my call since I didn’t want to wait for 120 minutes, but he wasn’t able to answer when I would get the retroactive payment or if I would get the increase in April, I was told I had to keep waiting and be patient, but he verified my case and assured me it had been looked into and it qualified for the Fairness Act, something I already knew since the day I applied for SSA in 2021. According to the SSA chart they have completed 76% of claims as for April, last month it was 75%, so I am assuming SSA is working hard to get us the money, thank you.
Marva R.
Can a spouse receive this benefit for a deceased husband who definitely would have qualified for this payment?
C.B.
Hi, Marva. If a spouse wants to determine if they are eligible for this benefit, they can 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.
Carrie L.
Carrie Lee Boyd
Ruth c.
Do I qualify for this payment I get spousal income
Ann F.
What is the answer to Marva’s question. My husband is deceased and with the increase in monthly ss benefits his could actually be higher than mine. Would I be able to take his instead of mine.
Douglas J.
Do I have to apply for WEP? I retired at 64 and am now 80. So I could really use some extra money.
C.B.
Hi, Douglas. Thanks for reading our blog. You do not need to apply. 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.
Curtis D.
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Catherine T.
Why have I not received my retirement payment which was scheduled for March 26th 2025.
I’VE called social security they had no answers for me. I also checked with my bank, they have not received a deposit yet either.
This my only income. At this time I can’t pay my rent buy groceries or pay for my medication. Please tell me whats going on?
Cathy T.
C.B.
Hi, Catherine. 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.
Carmen B.
I would like to know if SSA is using an orderly manner or system to pay the retroactive amount due, exp: Alphabetical name order; age; date of retirement or governmental agency? Have not received mine yet.
Ana
This is only for goverment workers and who didn’t pay into SS