The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that all retroactive Social Security payments under the Social Security Fairness Act, will be finalized by November 2025. This is after two policies were overturned, namely the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These two provisions previously impacted Social Security payments for millions of retired public employees, including police officers, teachers, and firefighters.
Under the newly effective law, eligible individuals are expected to receive augmented monthly social security benefits and a singular payment covering retroactive remuneration from January 2024.
Why Are These Payments Happening?
As of January 5th, 2025, both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) were repealed by the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law by the former President Joe Biden.
Recent legislative changes have eliminated rules that previously reduced Social Security benefits for many workers who also receive public pensions. These include firefighters, teachers, police officers, people with foreign social security benefits, and federal employees under the Civil Service Retirement System.
With the recent repeal of this law, approximately 3.2 million individuals will now see an increase in their monthly Social Security benefits, with additional back payments retroactive to cover the period from January 2024.
When Will You Get Your Payment?
The SSA began issuing retroactive payments on February 25, 2025. Most eligible people received their one-time payment by the end of March 2025. While over 2.5 million retroactive Social Security payments have already been processed by the SSA, approximately 200,000 cases still require manual review and are expected to be completed by early November 2025.
The reason some payments are delayed is due to the complexity of certain individual benefit records and a general slowdown in the SSA’s processing capabilities in recent years. The SSA is primarily using automation to process the majority of claims efficiently, but more complicated files still require manual handling.
How Will You Receive the Payment?
Eligible recipients will receive a deposit of a lump sum into their bank accounts from the SSA. This payment will cover the benefit increases missed, from January 2024, when the old rules were officially abolished.
To prevent any payment delays, double-check your address and bank details through your account at www.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
How Much Will Your Benefits Increase?
The precise payment amount you will vary based on when you started receiving your original retroactive social security payments in relation to your public pension, and whether you are receiving payments or benefits as an individual or for a spouse.
Some individuals will experience only minor increases, while others could see their monthly payments rise by over $1,000. You will also receive an official letter from the SSA that details any changes to your monthly benefits and the specifics of your retroactive payments.
What If You Never Applied for Benefits?
If you previously didn’t apply for Social Security due to WEP or GPO, you might now be eligible. The SSA reports over 200,000 new applications have been submitted since the law changed, with 87% already processed.
To apply for the provisions or benefits, visit www.ssa.gov.
SSA Says Fairness Act Payments Are a Top Priority
Despite some concerns that Fairness Act cases are slowing down other SSA services, the agency maintains it’s prioritizing the act without affecting other work, ensuring accurate and timely payments.
Dan Adcock a senior policy director for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, recognized the payment delays but stressed the importance of millions of retirees finally receiving their full, rightful benefits after years of unfair reductions.
Conclusion
If you’re a spouse or a public sector retiree affected by WEP or GPO, you might see retroactive Social Security payments by November 2025. Be sure to check your SSA account or call to confirm your qualification and ensure payment details are current.