In a long overdue scheme to reinstate the eligible first responders and other public sector employees, SSA has now begun to distribute the retroactive payments under the Social Security Fairness Act. This monumental step is for the benefit of police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMTs) that were disproportionally affected by the cuts to their Social Security benefits.
Social Security Fairness Act – An Explanation
Enacted on January 5, 2025, by former President Joe Biden, the Social Security Fairness Act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) provisions, which had put curtails on the Social Security benefits of those retirees who received a pension from state or local government jobs that did not contribute to Social Security.
The WEP and GPO had decreased benefits for many first responders and others in government jobs over the years, straining retirees who essentially spent their careers in public service. The repeal of these provisions now permits eligible retirees to receive the full Social Security benefits that they earned.
Millions Have Been Disbursed in Payments Already
As of March 4, 2025, SSA already distributed more than $7.5 billion in retroactive payments to more than 1.1 million people at an average payment of $6,710 to each eligible recipient. These payments were prioritized for retirees who were formerly affected by WEP and GPO so that they may be assisted pecuniarily as soon as possible.
The payment process commenced in late February, and the majority of cases were expedited through automated processing. Nevertheless, some complex cases will take longer with reviews being conducted manually. The SSA has assured beneficiaries that all payments will be made as soon as possible.
Who Is Eligible for Retroactive Payments?
Many first responders and employees in the public sector may qualify for retroactive payments, especially those whose Social Security benefits were previously reduced by WEP or GPO. These individuals include:
- Firefighters, police officers, and EMS providers who worked in states where public sector pensions were not covered by Social Security contributions.
- Federal employees under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), who are subject to WEP and GPO reductions.
- Workers who contributed to foreign social security systems and had reductions in their U.S. benefits under the former provisions.
- Spouses and survivors who have been subjected to GPO deductions that were preventing them from full spousal or survivor benefit amounts.
How Far Back Do Retroactive Payments Go?
Paying retroactively, benefits will be executed back as far as January 2024, which is when WEP and GPO officially ceased to apply. SSA has set up the one-time payments to be made electronically straight into beneficiaries’ bank accounts by the close of March 2025.
Additionally, starting in April 2025, recipients will begin receiving enhanced monthly Social Security Benefits reflecting repeal of WEP and GPO provisions. Since Social Security benefits are usually paid one month in arrears, the increased payouts will apply to March benefits but would be paid in April.
What Do Beneficiaries Have to Do?
For the majority of eligible retirees, no action is necessary. The SSA is making automatic payments to those whose Social Security benefits were affected by WEP or GPO. The Agency, however, asks those who are to be beneficiaries to verify that their mailing addresses or direct deposit information is up to date. They can go online to the My Social Security account portal or run a toll-free call to the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to verify those credentials.
Some may now have to apply for benefits who never applied for Social Security because of restrictions under WEP or GPO. To apply for benefits, follow these steps:
- Visit www.ssa.gov/apply to file for retirement or spousal benefits.
- Call 1-800-772-1213 and say “Fairness Act” when prompted.
Applications for survivor benefits must be filed over the phone, as online applications for survivors are not available at this time.
What to Expect Next?
The SSA has advised recipients to wait until April before checking the status of their retroactive payments, as processing will continue throughout March. Additionally, those who qualify for increased monthly benefits should wait until they receive their April payment before contacting the SSA with any questions about their updated benefit amounts.
As of March 7, the SSA had already received 81,000 new applications since the Social Security Fairness Act was passed and has completed processing 76% of them. The agency remains committed to handling the remaining cases efficiently and ensuring that all eligible individuals receive their due benefits.
Staying Informed and Updated
To stay up to date with the latest developments regarding Social Security payments and eligibility, beneficiaries are encouraged to:
- Regularly check the official SSA website at www.ssa.gov/fairnessact for the most recent updates.
- Ensure their contact and banking information are current to avoid payment delays.
- Use the My Social Security online portal to monitor their benefits and track payment status.
- Call SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for additional assistance or clarification.
Final thoughts
This repeal of the WEP and the GPO under the Social Security Fairness Act is a great victory for first responders and other public servants who suffered under an unfair former system. Enormous sums have been paid in retroactive payments, which commenced in April with higher monthly benefits. Financial relief has come to those who have served the community in their careers.
For many retired persons, these changes mean monetary improvement and recognition for their years of service. Some cases may take longer to process, but the SSA is ardently working to see that every eligible beneficiary receives their due amount.
If you are aware of anyone that may benefit from these payments, then you all need to do your part to confirm eligibility and ensure all information is current. You can visit the SSA’s official website to see ongoing updates or contact them for personalized help.