Social Security: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed it has successfully processed over 2.5 million retroactive payments to retired public workers who were previously denied full retirement benefits due to outdated federal rules. This update comes as part of the ongoing implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by President Biden in January 2025.
The sweeping law eliminates two controversial provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—which had reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other public servants who received government pensions.
Who Qualifies for Social Security Retroactive Payments?
The Fairness Act ensures that an estimated 3.2 million retirees will receive corrected Social Security payments, both going forward and retroactively back to January 2024. According to the SSA’s latest update on May 27, the agency has completed 90% of these adjustments, with retroactive lump-sum payments already reaching the majority of eligible recipients.
When Will You Get Your Social Security Retroactive Payment?
The SSA began issuing payments on February 25, 2025, and most eligible recipients should have received their one-time retroactive deposit by March 31. In addition to the lump sum, beneficiaries started seeing their adjusted monthly benefit payments in April, reflecting the removal of WEP and GPO restrictions.
However, some complex cases are still pending. The SSA acknowledges that approximately 900,000 cases must be reviewed manually, which could take until November 2025 to complete. Those who haven’t received a payment yet are urged to verify their direct deposit and mailing information by logging into their account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount or calling 1-800-772-1213.
How Much Will Social Security Benefits Increase?
Benefit increases vary by individual. Some retirees will see minor adjustments, while others—especially those heavily impacted by WEP and GPO—could receive up to $1,000 or more in additional monthly Social Security income, according to the SSA.
Every recipient of an updated benefit will receive an official letter by mail detailing the change in payment amount. This applies to both retroactive and future monthly benefit increases.
Missed Out on Social Security Benefits in the Past?
If you never applied for Social Security retirement benefits—or spousal benefits—because WEP or GPO would have reduced your payments, you may now be eligible. The SSA has received over 200,000 new applications since the Fairness Act was enacted, with 87% already processed.
To file a new application, visit www.ssa.gov/apply.
What’s Next?
The SSA says it remains on track to finalize all retroactive payments by November 2025. SSA employees have been instructed to prioritize Social Security Fairness Act cases, even if it means delaying work on other programs.
As this historic shift unfolds, millions of retired public servants are finally receiving the benefits they earned—closing a decades-old gap in the nation’s retirement system.