If you’ve noticed an extra payment in your account recently, and you’ve already received your regular April benefits from SSA, SSI, or SSDI, there’s a chance it’s related to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) latest efforts. This unexpected deposit might be part of the SSA’s ongoing distribution of retroactive payments. The SSA has been actively working to implement the Social Security Fairness Act. As a result, it has already distributed over $7.5 billion in retroactive payments to over 1.1 million people as of March 4, 2025.
These retroactive payments come as part of a broader initiative aimed at correcting past inequities caused by two provisions: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). For years, these provisions negatively affected people who worked in jobs not covered by Social Security, often referred to as “non-covered pensions.” These individuals did not pay Social Security taxes, resulting in the reduction or elimination of their benefits.
For many people, these changes are long overdue. The SSA has worked to ensure that individuals who were affected by these provisions will now receive the financial relief they deserve. The average retroactive payment being issued is $6,710. This is a substantial amount that could provide much-needed financial support to those who have been adversely affected by WEP and GPO for many years.
The elimination of WEP and GPO is a significant victory for those who had their benefits reduced or eliminated due to these provisions. WEP and GPO primarily affected public employees who received pensions from work that Social Security did not cover.
These workers, who state or local governments often employ, were subject to these reductions even though they had paid into the Social Security system in their previous jobs. This left many retirees struggling to make ends meet, as their expected Social Security benefits were substantially lower than what they were entitled to.
Since the repeal of these provisions, the SSA has been working to distribute these retroactive payments. The SSA has so far successfully paid out over $7.5 billion in retroactive payments, providing financial relief to more than 1.1 million individuals. These payments are a direct result of the repeal of WEP and GPO, which Congress passed to restore fairness to the Social Security system for affected workers.
Interim Social Security Commissioner Lee Dudek emphasised the urgency of implementing the Social Security Fairness Act and the administration’s commitment to delivering these payments as quickly as possible. Dudek explained, “The president made it clear that he wanted the Social Security Fairness Act implemented as soon as possible.
We faced that challenge head-on and are proud to deliver for the people of the U.S.” This statement highlights the government’s dedication to ensuring that millions of Americans who were previously impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset will now receive the benefits they rightfully deserve.
The Social Security Fairness Act aims to address decades of financial hardship that many Americans have faced due to the unfair impact of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
With this law in place, more than 3.2 million individuals who received pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security are now eligible for retroactive payments. The payments are designed to correct past mistakes and ensure that these individuals are not left behind in the Social Security system.
The SSA’s efforts are not over yet. While many retroactive payments have already been sent out, the SSA continues to process payments for the remaining eligible individuals. These payments will continue to be issued in phases, and the SSA is committed to ensuring that every eligible person receives the amount they are owed.
In addition to retroactive payments, the SSA is also preparing to issue higher monthly benefit payments starting in April. This is the first of many steps in a broader effort to ensure that individuals affected by WEP and GPO receive the correct benefits moving forward. These higher payments will reflect the changes brought about by the repeal of WEP and GPO, ensuring that eligible individuals are getting the financial assistance they deserve.
This new initiative represents a major step forward in the ongoing fight for fairness in the Social Security system. Many workers who were affected by WEP and GPO had to make significant sacrifices during their working lives, only to be penalised later when they retired. With the repeal of these provisions, the government is taking action to correct past wrongs and ensure that individuals are not left behind.
For those receiving retroactive payments, it is essential to note that these funds are not taxable. The SSA has confirmed that retroactive payments, including the average payment of $6,710, will not be counted as income for tax purposes. This means that these payments will not negatively impact the tax situations of recipients. However, it’s still important to consult with a tax professional if you have any questions about how the payments might affect your overall tax situation.
While many individuals have already received their retroactive payments, some may still be waiting for their funds to be processed. If you have not yet received a retroactive payment but believe you are eligible, it is essential to check your SSA account regularly for updates. The SSA will continue to send out payments until all eligible individuals have received their funds. If you believe there has been a mistake or need assistance with your account, you can contact the SSA directly for help.
This initiative is a significant win for retirees and public workers who were affected by the unfair reductions in Social Security benefits resulting from the WEP and GPO. The $6,710 retroactive payment represents more than just financial relief—it symbolises a commitment to fairness and justice in the Social Security system.
The Social Security Fairness Act is an important step toward improving the lives of millions of Americans who were previously penalized by WEP and GPO. This effort is a direct result of years of advocacy and pressure from individuals and organisations who fought for fairness in the system. Thanks to these efforts, individuals who were once unfairly impacted by these provisions are now seeing the financial relief they deserve.
The SSA’s work is far from over, but the progress made so far is a testament to the importance of this issue. For those who have received retroactive payments, this is just the beginning of a more equitable and fair Social Security system. Moving forward, the SSA will continue to ensure that all eligible individuals receive the benefits they are entitled to, reflecting the changes brought about by the repeal of WEP and GPO.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
