The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been busy! They’ve processed a whopping 2.5 million retroactive payments under the Social Security Fairness Act, bringing much-needed relief to teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other public sector retirees. This act, signed into law by President Biden in January 2025, addresses the unfair Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) that previously denied full benefits to many.
The SSA has already completed 90% of the 3.2 million cases, a significant accomplishment. Payments began rolling out on February 25th, with most people receiving their one-time retroactive payment by the end of March. Monthly benefit increases, reflecting the changes, started arriving in April, with a typical one-month lag in Social Security payments.
However, the process isn’t entirely complete. While automation has sped things up, more complex cases require manual processing, leading to some delays. The SSA expects to finalize all updates by November 2025. Approximately 900,000 cases still need manual processing, and SSA employees are prioritizing these cases, according to recent reports.
If you haven’t received your payment yet, don’t panic. The SSA suggests checking your account online at www.ssa.gov/myaccount or calling 1-800-772-1213 to verify your information. Ensuring accurate contact and banking details is crucial for quick processing.
The amount of the benefit increase varies based on individual circumstances, ranging from minimal adjustments to over $1,000 per month. Recipients will receive a mailed notice explaining any changes to their benefits. Additionally, if you haven’t previously applied for retirement benefits due to the WEP or GPO, you may need to file an application now at www.ssa.gov/apply. Over 200,000 new applications have been received since the law’s passage, with 87% already processed.
The Social Security Fairness Act is a significant step towards ensuring fair treatment for public sector retirees. While some delays remain, the overwhelming majority of payments are out, bringing financial relief to millions of deserving individuals. For more information, visit the official Social Security Fairness Act website.
