Over 2.5 Million Retroactive Payments Issued Under Social Security Fairness Act

The Social Security Fairness Act has triggered over 2.5 million retroactive payments, as the agency ramps up efforts to correct benefit gaps for public pension holders across the U.S.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed in early June 2025 that it has processed over 2.5 million retroactive payments as part of implementing the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in January. The act repealed two controversial policies — the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) — that had significantly reduced or blocked Social Security benefits for certain workers with public pensions.

The repeal has impacted a wide range of workers, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other government employees. Under the new law, these individuals are now eligible to receive both adjusted monthly benefits and one-time retroactive payments covering benefits lost due to WEP and GPO from January 2024 through December 2024.

According to the SSA’s May 27 update, 90% of eligible cases have been processed, and most recipients should have received their retroactive payments via direct deposit by March 2025. Monthly benefit adjustments began appearing in April 2025 payments, reflecting March’s entitlements due to SSA’s standard one-month delay.

What If You Haven’t Received Your Payment?

While the rollout has been largely automated, about 200,000 cases require manual intervention due to data complexities, according to SSA officials. These beneficiaries may face longer wait times, though the SSA stated it expects all records to be updated by November 2025.

Anyone still waiting is advised to log into their SSA account at ssa.gov/myaccount or call 1-800-772-1213 to verify their address and banking details. “Ensuring that SSA has the correct information allows you to get any retroactive benefits and your new benefit amount quicker,” the agency emphasized.

Despite internal concerns raised by SSA employees about potential service disruptions, the agency clarified in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch that prioritizing Social Security Fairness Act cases has not delayed other benefits processing.

How Much Are These Payments Worth?

The size of the retroactive payment varies by person and depends on their public pension structure and previous Social Security entitlements. Some retirees will see modest increases, while others could receive monthly benefit bumps of $1,000 or more, the SSA said.

Beneficiaries will receive written notices detailing their new benefit amounts and any back pay issued. These letters are being mailed as each account is finalized.

What If You Never Applied Because of WEP/GPO?

The SSA has received over 200,000 new benefit applications since the law passed in January. This includes individuals who never applied for retirement or spousal benefits because they believed they were ineligible under WEP or GPO. If this applies to you, SSA encourages you to file an application as soon as possible at ssa.gov/apply.

Context: Why This Law Matters

The WEP and GPO provisions, first enacted in the 1980s, were widely criticized for unfairly penalizing public workers who had paid into both Social Security and state/local pension systems. Critics argued that these workers were being “double punished” by receiving reduced federal benefits despite paying taxes into the system.

The Social Security Fairness Act finally addressed these grievances. Its passage marked one of the largest single reversals of Social Security exclusions in recent history.

Housing advocates and retiree associations had long pushed for this reform, and its enactment was seen as a major legislative win for older Americans.

What Happens Next?

While most payments have been made, the SSA expects the process to continue through late 2025. If your case is pending, check your online account regularly, ensure your personal details are accurate, and watch for official mail notices from SSA. No additional action is required unless you have yet to file or receive confirmation of payment.

For more detailed information or to verify eligibility, beneficiaries can visit the Social Security Fairness Act page on the SSA website or contact their local SSA office.