Social Security Pays Billions of Dollars in Retroactive Payments
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: April 18, 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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Tags: General Information, Social Security benefits
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Vance
I am a former teacher that is now on complete disability. Does this apply to me?
Gay S.
When the Act first passed I was told I would receive 6 months retroactive spousal pay. Now people are receiving 12 months retro spousal pay. Which is correct?
Betty A.
I would like to know if I will receive additional money. I am 67 was drawing disability now turned into SS.
Shirley T.
Why don’t I get a Social Security raise? I worked all my life in the nursing theater and I paid all my taxes so why don’t I get that? My husband died do I get spousal money? I wanna know before I come up there to Social Security thank you.M
Cynthia S.
When do I get the extra money from the news about the money to helpwhen
Ann F.
When will I get my increase from THE FAIRNESS ACT.
Last month I was told SS “was working on it”
Did not receive it yesterday,
Ronnie M.
I worked as an Independent Contractor for a few years, and those wages were not included when SS calculated my monthly benefit amount. Am I eligible for the SS retroactive payment? I read where “complicated cases” might not be resolved and/or paid until November.
What is the best way to find out my status regarding the SS retroactive payment? I didn’t see a contact form here.
Thanks.
Sandra T.
I worked in.the private.sector, then as.a police officer. My social.security. payment is reduced per WEP. I have not received anything.
Walter P.
I am also waiting on my back pay, was PD for 31 years. My April payment did not show any increase.
Joe S.
i retired csrs fed..same here wep reduced my income..so far haven`t received nothing no letter..nothing..
HERMAN J.
I worked for the gov. us corps of engineers
and I have not rec’d a payment. I was a civil
servant. where is my back payment?
herman j.
I worked as a civil servant at us corps of engineers and I hav
Ronald R.
I am a retired Los Angeles City Firefighter receiving a disability pension from the City of Los Angeles and I am receiving Social Security payments based on part time jobs I did while being a Firefighter. My question is: will I receive additional funds based on the Fairness Act? Who do I cntact to get an answer to that question?
Linda W.
Why are the final 19% of qualified retroactive recipients not receiving their payments?
When I call SSA I’m told there is no reason for mine to be delayed.
Ken B.
I have also not received payments under the fairness act. All of my retired coworkers received their payments at mid March. You call and all they say is there is no reason you have not received payment.
R P.
I did not either I was a federal employee not paying social security but my husband who passed a way 8 years ago did
It’s Apr 23rd. Where’s my checks?
Roberta R.
Feel the same way. Have not received any payment. Called and told someone is looking into it. Have friends who have received their payments and we worked together. Understanding the lack of employees and of course morale is probably at a low time high. Hope all of us that are waiting patiently get some relief soon. Thank you.