The recently passed Social Security Fairness Act is transforming the financial landscape for over 1.1 million retirees in the United States. This law eliminates two controversial provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—which had reduced Social Security benefits for public sector workers like teachers, police officers, and firefighters.
$7.5 Billion in Retroactive Payments Distributed
With the repeal of these regulations, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has distributed more than $7.5 billion in retroactive payments, averaging $6,710 per recipient. These payments are part of a larger effort to ensure fair benefits for retirees who were previously affected.
Monthly Social Security Increases Coming in 2025
Starting in April 2025, beneficiaries will see permanent increases in their Social Security checks:
- Retirees affected by WEP will get an extra $360 per month on average.
- Those impacted by GPO could see increases ranging from $700 to $1,190 monthly.
- An estimated 3.2 million Americans will benefit from these adjustments.
How to Check Eligibility for Retroactive Payments
The SSA is notifying eligible beneficiaries by mail. If you haven’t received your payment yet, you may need to wait until April 2025 before making inquiries. To check eligibility:
- Visit the official SSA website.
- Call 1-800-772-1213 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET) and mention the “Fairness Act.”
These Social Security reforms mark a historic change, ensuring that public sector retirees receive the full benefits they deserve.
