Big increase in Social Security benefits – know how much you will get and when!
Millions of Social Security beneficiaries in the US will soon see a big increase in their monthly payments. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) are being eliminated under the Social Security Fairness Act, benefiting more than 3.2 million people. In addition, the government is also going to issue a one-time retroactive payment (past dues) to compensate beneficiaries whose payments were previously cut.
What are WEP and GPO and why are they being eliminated?
WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) and GPO (Government Pension Offset) were rules that caused some government employees to receive less from Social Security than they were due for their pensions. This cut particularly affected these people:
- Teachers
- Firefighters
- Police officers
- Federal Employees
By removing these provisions, all such beneficiaries will now receive their full Social Security payment, which will improve their financial condition.
When will the retroactive payment be received?
The government has announced that those people whose benefits were being reduced from January 2024 will get a one-time retroactive payment by the end of March 2025.
- This amount will compensate for the payments that were being cut from the previous year.
- This payment will be automatically deposited into the bank account.
- The amount each person receives will depend on their previous deductions.
This one-time payment is just a start – after this, a permanent increase in monthly Social Security benefits will start from April 2025.
How much will the Social Security payment increase from April 2025?
- The amount of increase will be different for each beneficiary.
- Some people will see a small increase in their payments, while others may receive an additional benefit of more than $1,000 per month.
- The increase will depend on the beneficiary’s job history and pension.
Payment Schedule
| Payment Type | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| One-time retroactive payment | End of March 2025 |
| Increased monthly benefits | Starting April 2025 |
Payment process – do you need to do anything?
- Most beneficiaries will automatically receive the increased payment, they do not need to apply.
- There may be a delay in cases where additional documents are required.
- Retroactive payments will be deposited by the end of March 2025.
- Contact the Department of Social Security only if the payment is not received by April 2025.
Official information and fraud prevention
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will send an official letter to every beneficiary, stating:
- How much did you receive?
- What will your new monthly payment be?
In addition, beneficiaries are advised to:
- Keep checking the official website of Social Security for updates.
- Be wary of any suspicious calls or emails and trust only government sources.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive retroactive payments?
Your lump sum payment will be deposited into your bank account by the end of March 2025.
Who will benefit from the removal of WEP and GPO?
Teachers, firefighters, police officers, and federal employees receiving government pensions.
How much will my monthly payment increase?
The increase will depend on the individual’s job history and pension, with some benefiting by more than $1,000.
Do I have to apply for this increase?
No, this increase will be applied automatically.
How can I find out my new benefit information?
You will receive an official letter from the Social Security Administration detailing your new payment amount.
Conclusion
Under the Social Security Fairness Act, millions of beneficiaries are being given their full entitlement by removing WEP and GPO. Payment of arrears in March 2025 and an increase in monthly benefits from April 2025 will provide financial relief to eligible beneficiaries. If you are affected by this change, you do not need to do anything, your payment will be automatically deposited into your account.