Social Security Administration Begins Processing Retroactive Payments After WEP and GPO Repeal

2025-03-03

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has begun processing retroactive payments and adjusting monthly benefits for millions of Americans impacted by the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) under the Social Security Fairness Act. Signed into law on January 5, 2025, the Act eliminates these provisions, which previously reduced Social Security benefits for public sector retirees, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and federal employees, who also receive pension income.

The SSA has processed approximately 30,000 initial claims so far, with retroactive payments being deposited into beneficiaries’ bank accounts throughout March. Most beneficiaries will see their adjusted monthly benefits reflected in April payments, covering March. The agency has expedited the timeline by using automation, though complex cases requiring manual updates may take longer. SSA Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek emphasized the agency’s commitment to delivering benefits as quickly as possible, despite earlier estimates of a year-long delay due to funding and staffing constraints.

Beneficiaries are encouraged to ensure their mailing addresses and direct deposit information are up to date through the SSA’s online portal. The agency advises against contacting SSA about retroactive payments until April, as most adjustments will be completed by then. The amount of additional monthly benefits varies, with some beneficiaries receiving modest increases and others potentially gaining over $1,000 per month.

The repeal of WEP and GPO has been met with bipartisan support, though some critics argue the provisions were necessary to prevent overpayments to public sector retirees with non-covered pensions. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) praised the expedited payments, calling it a significant relief for those who have waited decades for fair treatment under Social Security.

New law ignites a wave of new Social Security benefit claims. And checks.

Social Security Administration says it's processed 30,000 claims under the Social Security Fairness Act. Only about 2.97 million more to go.

www.usatoday.com

Retirees impacted by WEP and GPO to receive retroactive payments sooner than expected

The Social Security Administration said it has begun distributing retroactive WEP and GPO payments, many of which will process incrementally throughou

federalnewsnetwork.com