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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Lonnie B.
I am a retired Federal Firefighter with pension although worked in private industry before and after Federal work and paid SS taxes. I have had my SS pension reduced since November of 2016. Mine is not a complex case, reduced amount nor other changes have not occurred since original reduction. Address and auto deposit are up to date. Although I still have not received retroactive payment or any letters. I also did not receive increased monthly amount in my April 9th deposit just received. What is the problem??! I’ve called and spoke to an agent but she was unable to identify the problem. This is a very frustrating. Why am I unable to speak to a team member working on the SS Fairness Act payments???
Roberta R.
It would be nice if someone at social security could answer your question either on the phone or thru this blog what is a complex case. See other people who have not received our retroactive payment including myself. We are told we have complex cases, we also hold patiently for assistance on the phone. We know times are difficult for your bureau, understand the amount of stress that the employees are going thru with less funding and layoffs. This increase would benefit so many seniors if it could come sooner than later for those of us who fall into the complex case realm. Thank you.
Christina R.
I keep seeing all these posts in news groups and stuff about another stimulus payment coming out. Is any of this true?
Harold C.
Harold
I retired from DC Public Schools in 2009, and was told when I started receiving Social Security a few years later that my check would be prorated because I was already getting a government pension. To date several of my former colleagues have received checks but I haven’t. When I tried to find out why online the website keeps crashing. I was on hold on the phone for more than 3 hours and gave up. Please let me know about the moneys I should be receiving. Thank you.
Lois D.
I have had some of my Nevada PERS pension withheld from my Social Security Check since 2004. How soon can I expect to receive my lump sum and an increase in my monthly Social Security check?
Carmen B.
I am inquiring about the Social Security Fairness Act; the retroactive payment and higher monthly benefits due to me. Some of my friends and former co-workers have received them for at least 2 months. Is there a reason for the delay?
Tim J.
Not everyone will receive the lump sum, you will however see a significant increase in your monthly benefit. The lump sum is for people drawing state pensions that had their ssi benefits unfairly reduced
Cecil S.
I can not find what makes your case complex? Please explain what makes your case complex
Cecil S.
I do not know why my case is complex but I have not received my back pay so I assume my case was complex so it would take longer how can I find out if my case is complex
June. S.
It has been rumored that for we seniors on a fixed income our monthly benefits will cease. Same with disability benefits. I am 87 years old, widowed, on a fixed income through Soc.Sec., my 61 yr. old disabled daughter living with me. Is there any truth that we will both be cut off?
Timothy j.
Absolutely untrue !!!
Mary J.
i have 40 some years working, 22 were with Circuit Court of Cook County and want to know if i an elegible for the ss fairness act or g p o windfall ? i am Mary Jane C.
Pam
So what about the rest of us? Tell me how can people survive when our monthly check isn’t even enough to pay to rent a descent house. Rent going for $1500 yet I get $1026 a month to survive on completely for an entire month. We are reduced to having to go into public housing that is absolutely horrible and falling apart. Really makes people want to give up and hopeless.
Bob M.
Exactly I would love an answer to this as well please.