The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced significant progress toward distributing retroactive payments to beneficiaries affected by the Social Security Fairness Act.
This new legislation, passed at the end of 2024, repeals two key provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—that previously reduced or eliminated benefits for certain public sector workers, such as firefighters, police officers, and teachers.
According to the Social Security Administration, more than $7.5 billion has already been distributed to over 1.1 million eligible beneficiaries, with an average retroactive payment of $6,710. This payment compensates for benefits that would have been issued in 2024 if the law had been in place earlier.
The agency initially estimated that it would take more than a year to process the increased monthly payments and retroactive amounts, but recent updates show that the majority of cases have been expedited.Millions of Americans begin receiving $6,710 retroactive Social Security payments
Who Will Receive These Payments and When?
The Social Security Administration is continuing to adjust affected recipients’ monthly benefits, with updated payments expected in the April 2025 disbursement. Those who have yet to receive their retroactive payment are advised to wait until April before contacting the SSA with further questions.
To determine eligibility for increased benefits, the SSA will mail official notices to affected individuals in the coming weeks. Up to 3.2 million Americans are expected to benefit from the changes made by the Social Security Fairness Act.
However, some people may need to take action:
- Those who are unsure whether they previously applied for retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits.
- Those who never applied for these benefits due to WEP or GPO restrictions.
If you fall into these categories, the SSA recommends submitting an application online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM ET). When prompted, say “Fairness Act” to be connected with a trained representative.
How Much Will Monthly Payments Increase?
A September 2024 estimate by the Congressional Budget Office projected that:
- Social Security beneficiaries previously impacted by the WEP will see an average increase of $360 per month.
- Those affected by the GPO could receive between $700 and $1,190 extra per month.
These changes represent a historic shift for millions of retired public sector workers, ensuring they receive the benefits they were previously denied.
For more information, beneficiaries should consult their official SSA notices or visit the agency’s website for updates.
