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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mike
I’m retired postal employee who doesn’t receive ssi. how will ssi know where to deposit my money?
Cathi B.
I have not applied for Social security benefits. I am a retired USPS letter carrier so I receive a pension from Civil Service. I’ve been retired since 2009. Can I still apply for retroactive social security benefits?
Joni N.
I worked for almost 30 years for a state university, as did my husband. We both retired on December 30, 2023. He received his retroactive refund in March and an increase in his monthly benefits. I have received nothing. I have attempting contacting my SS office, to no avail. If anyone has any assistance, I would really appreciate it.
Fran
Joni, if I were you, I’ll make an in-person appointment as soon as possible to get answers of what’s going on with your benefits. Good luck…
Carmen B.
I have not received anything yet, only an e-mail telling me that SSA might ought me money and to update my bank information. I noticed they have paid 97%
Walter M.
I just received a check payable for insurance. Do this check belong to me or I have to pay my Medicare insurance?
Fran
You should call medicare and ask questions about that check.
Leonides M.
I am a railroad retiree while my wife Maria A Magpantay retired after working for private company and we’re both receiving pension from US Railroad Retirement Board where she is getting higher pension rather than receiving pension directly from SSA. Is our current pension affected by the new Social Security Fairness Act? If so how can we avail of this new benefits? Thanks for your usual kind and prompt attention.
SSS
Chris H.
I am a retired government employee, ineligible for ss benefits on my own account, and benefits from my late husband were completely offset. I just received a large check from Social Security with no advance information or explanation. Through the Treasury Check Verification System, I confirmed its authenticity. Before depositing this check, should I wait for further info from Social Security?
Fran
If you are not sure, make an in-person appointment and ask questions. Get to the bottom of it soon…
PLN
I have finally received a check from Social Security re the WEP/GPO repeal. There is no information just a check, so I don’t know whatit covers. The ss Site online does have an updated benefit verification letter telling me whar my monthly benefiy was in 2025 and will be in 2025. It also statement that my Medicare B premium has been deducted from all payments. I have already paid this premium directly, so How do I get a refund.
Nancy S.
I was a postal worker. I ck,d with SSA & confirmed I am eligible. All the other employees at my office that are eligible have received their one time payment, as of April. When should I expect mine?
Linda T.
It’s encouraging to see the SSA taking steps to rectify past issues. Many will benefit from these retroactive payments.
Kathy T.
Who determines when the retroactive pay is complex with the ss fairness act HOW DO THEY PROCESS THE CHECKS ?
Bonnie N.
I received a retroactive payment (based on repeal of GPO) for 6 months of 2024. When can I expect payment for the remaining 6 months as the Fairness Act is retroactive to January 2024? I am 85 years old.
John J.
Served with the New Jersey State Police for 29 years. SS reduced for GPO. Have not heard anything as of June 2025. Do I need to do anything? I understand how hard it must be with reduced work force and do not wish to add to your difficulty. Thank you for your service to seniors and other Americans.
Kim H.
Make sure that you have signed on to the Social Security Administration. Website and update your phone number, email, and mailing address, if necessary. From what I learned today, letters will be going out on June 6th, this Friday. Best wishes!
Susan D.
I just received a letter today from SSA advising me I will be receiving a check for $4269.00 and starting in June 2025 my monthly benefit will increase by $250 .00 I’m not sure how the amount was determined. There are no details. So I’ll see when I get the check. It does appear that this went into effect January 2024 based on the letter information I don’t know if where you live has anything to do with when they follow thru but I live on Long Island and my letter came from SSA northeastern program service center located in Jamaica New York