After the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) were repealed, millions of Americans are now receiving their long-awaited Social Security adjustments.
All the information you require on the qualifying requirements, payment amounts, and the anticipated dates of benefits is provided here.
What Was Different? The Social Security Fairness Act: An Overview
WEP and GPO were formally repealed in January 2025 by the Social Security Fairness Act.
Nearly 3 million public sector employees, including as teachers, firefighters, and police officers, who also received pensions from non-Social Security-covered jobs, had previously seen their Social Security income lowered under these restrictions.
Affected retirees are now entitled for increased monthly benefits and retroactive payments as a result of the repeal. As of early March 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reported that over 1.1 million Americans had already received more than $7.5 billion in retroactive benefits.
Who Can Receive Social Security Benefits Retroactively?
Certain categories of federal employees and public employees whose employers did not contribute to Social Security are eligible for higher monthly benefits and retroactive payments. This comprises:
- In states that are not covered, educators and school personnel
- Police officers and firefighters
- The Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) applies to federal employees.
- People who received pensions from foreign governments and were unable to contribute to US Social Security
Eligibility is limited to those whose pensions were earned from non-covered labor. You might be eligible for sizable retroactive compensation if you fit into this category.
What is the Value of Retroactive Payments?
According to the SSA, each taxpayer has received an average retroactive payment of about $6,710 thus far. Since January 2024, when the repeal formally went into effect, these payments have made up for lost benefits.
Social Security Update: Big Changes for 62-Year-Old Retirees in March 2025
Estimated Benefit Increases per Month
Social Security payouts will rise in the future, along with lump-sum retroactive payments. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) claims that:
By the end of 2025, the average monthly increase for WEP-affected individuals will be $360.
GPO-affected spouses may experience a $700 monthly rise.
Previously impacted spouses may get an additional $1,190 per month.
When Can You Expect to Get Paid?
Retroactive payments have already been made to many recipients by direct deposit into the bank accounts associated with their Social Security records. By the end of March 2025, the SSA anticipates having finished all retroactive payments.
Starting April 1, 2025: IRS Confirms Interest Rates for the Second Quarter
Monthly benefit hikes are planned to start with the April 2025 payment, which will cover payments for March. Due to ongoing processing, the SSA has advised beneficiaries not to get in touch with them regarding payment status until April.
The Implications for Retirees
For public employees who have spent years fighting for equitable Social Security benefits, the repeal of WEP and GPO is a historic win.
Millions of retirees will eventually receive the benefits they are entitled to, which will relieve financial burden and recognize their years of service, with retroactive payments beginning to be made and monthly increases imminent.
Check your SSA account online or speak with a Social Security official for more details if you think you could be eligible for retroactive Social Security benefits.
