Thu Feb 27 10:50:00 UTC 2025: **Social Security Begins Distributing Retroactive Payments Under Social Security Fairness Act**
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it has begun distributing retroactive payments to millions of beneficiaries impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These payments, backdated to January 2024, are a result of the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed WEP and GPO.
The SSA had initially projected it would take over a year to process these payments, but through automation, the agency has significantly accelerated the timeline. Most beneficiaries should receive their payments by the end of March, with many seeing the changes reflected in their payments as early as this week. However, the SSA notes that individuals with “complex cases” may experience a longer wait time. The agency urges patience, advising retirees to wait until at least April before inquiring about the status of their payments.
The expedited payments are a significant victory for approximately 3 million public sector employees, retirees, and surviving spouses whose Social Security benefits were previously reduced or eliminated by WEP and GPO. These affected individuals include federal annuitants, teachers, firefighters, and police officers.
Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek stated that the agency’s swift action reflects the administration’s commitment to implementing the Social Security Fairness Act as quickly as possible. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) also applauded the SSA’s accelerated timeline, calling it “music to our ears.”
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law in January, removes the penalties imposed by WEP and GPO, ensuring that public sector workers receive the full Social Security benefits they are entitled to. More details about the implementation can be found on the SSA website.
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