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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Sue M.
I have not received SSA Fairness Act retroactive payment even though I have contacted SSA several times. When will payment arrive?
Brenda L.
I’m 71. Will I get a stipend, or stimulus check? Also, I feel I was not computed properly for back pay. How do I initiate an inquiry.
Velma P.
I have contacted Social Security about my back pay and new amount each. I was told that I was flagged. I am waiting to get a letter from SS. Nothing as of yet. I need a answer
Kat
I have contacted my social security office. In person 3 or 4 times since end of March.
They look me up and tell
Me I’m on the list . Other friends have received $5,000. I just wonder why I haven’t gotten mine. ??!
Bob
Same for me. I was a postal worker. They told me too that I definitely qualify and I’m on the list. This was a month ago. So when??? Do I have to contact my Congressman?
Pat S.
Am I understanding that some people paid into Social Security benefits while they were working as teachers, but never received any Social Security benefits until this past March?
Linda K.
I haven’t seen anything yet, although all of my friends got their retro payments in March. I waited on hold for 4 hours just to be told they don’t know anything.
😕
Charles E.
How long is it going to take to get my back pay from the Fair Act. Please check into this for me. Thank you very much. C.E. LeNormand Jr.
Chelda J.
I was just wondering when the payments would come if you know, please let me know
Sarah r.
Wondering if SSA sees any value in human rights secured in Canada and with united nations and other human rights organizations ; or does that qualify me as unamerican??? The Biden Administration allowed discrimination and no culpability government actions; where do SSA employees stand??
Jenny
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Daniel L.
I have been following the Fairness Act and its provisions for over a year. I was excited to see the Congress voted bipartisan for this bill, considering all the upheaval in congress with cutbacks and layoffs. As I was excited to share the information with friends and family who qualify they have all received retroactive payments and increased monthly benefits in April for the March 2925 benefit. After many unsuccessful attempts to reach out as to the status of mine the only information they have been able to provide is that I do qualify and have been flagged. No one can explain what flagged means. Mine should not fall under a complex calculation, so not sure why I have not heard anything to date. Is there a deadline set forth by the current administration that all those who qualify will receive their retroactive and increased monthly benefit. I want to be prepared for ray season where these amount will have to be included as income, so I can properly adjust my pension and have more federal withholding tax taken out to cover the increases. Thank you for your help.
Alice
I have been waiting patiently for my increase since the end of March . I have contacted SS by phone and local office . All
They say is I’m on the list!😳
Mark F.
Received retroactive payment from Social Security Fairness Act for 3 months: $777 x 3 = $2331 on April 7, 2025. However, I began drawing Social Security in August, 2024. Have not received retroactive payment for the additional 5 months of 2024. The Act clearly stipulated retroactive payments were to be for all of 2024 up to present. Filled out form #561 U2 and took to local Social Security office. Told not to expect answer to my appeal this year. Unacceptable.
National Social Security 800-772-1213 representatives have no training in handling or explaining retroactive checks. Appeals process provides no chance to argue my case.
Bonnie
I have similar issue. Started receiving payments in January due to repeal of GPO, but no retroactive payments indicated in Fair Act. Anyone know why?