The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially announced the start of retroactive payments and higher monthly benefits for millions of Americans affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). This update comes as part of the Social Security Fairness Act, which aims to restore benefits that were previously reduced or eliminated due to non-covered pensions.
With these changes, many retirees, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers, will see a significant boost in their Social Security benefits. The SSA is expediting payments, with most people set to receive their one-time retroactive payment by the end of March 2025 and their increased monthly benefits starting in April 2025.
SSA has already been released 1705 Retroactive payments on February 25, 2025 with the total amount of $12,083,323.83.
Who Are Eligible for Social security Retroactive Payments?
The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates WEP and GPO, which previously reduced benefits for more than 3.2 million retirees who worked in jobs where they did not pay into Social Security. If you fall into any of the following categories, you may be eligible for a retroactive payment and higher monthly benefits:
- Retirees receiving a pension from non-Social Security-covered jobs (such as certain public-sector workers and federal employees under the Civil Service Retirement System).
- Teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other state or local government workers who were affected by WEP and GPO reductions.
- Surviving spouses whose benefits were reduced under GPO.
Eligible beneficiaries will automatically receive these payments—there is no need to apply or file additional paperwork. However, the SSA has warned that complex cases requiring manual review may take longer to process.
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How Much Will You Get Under Social security Retroactive Payments?
The amount each beneficiary receives varies based on factors like pension amount, benefit type, and prior reductions under WEP and GPO. Some beneficiaries will see small increases, while others could receive up to $1,000 more per month. Here’s what you need to know:
| Category | Payment Per Month |
| Spousal benefits | An average of $700 |
| Widows and Widowers. | An average increase of $1,190 |
| Average Increase For retirees | $360 |
If a beneficiary qualifies for retroactive payments, the SSA will deposit a one-time payment covering the increase back to January 2024 (the month WEP and GPO no longer applied). This means that for many, the retroactive payment will be substantial.
We’re implementing the Social Security Fairness Act and releasing back benefits to millions of people whose monthly payments have increased with the elimination of WEP and GPO. Learn more in today’s blog: https://t.co/8MpB48SdX9 pic.twitter.com/3XrQVCkb80
— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) February 25, 2025
When Will You Receive It?
The SSA has laid out a clear schedule for when eligible individuals will receive their payments. Starting the week of February 24, 2025 SSA will begin issuing retroactive payments. By the end of March 2025, most eligible beneficiaries will receive their one-time lump sum covering payments from January 2024. By April 2025, monthly Social Security payments will increase to reflect the removal of WEP and GPO.
Beneficiaries will also receive mailed notices explaining the payment breakdown. However, since payments are expedited, many will receive the retroactive payment before getting the official notice in the mail.
If you were previously affected by WEP or GPO, expect to see higher monthly benefits and a one-time retroactive payment in the coming weeks. The SSA is automating the process to speed up payments, but complex cases requiring manual adjustments may take longer.
The best approach? Wait until April before contacting the SSA about your payment status, as benefits are being processed incrementally. Keep an eye on your bank account and watch for official notices from the SSA, ensuring you receive what you are owed under the new law.
