Social Security beneficiaries in the United States have started to get significant retroactive payments following the approval of the Social Security Fairness Act. This new legislation has led to the elimination of two provisions that for decades reduced the benefits of public sector workers such as teachers, police officers and firefighters. As a result, more than 1.1 million people have received financial compensation.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), to date more than 7.5 billion dollars in retroactive payments have been distributed, with an average of 6,710 dollars per beneficiary. This adjustment is the first step in a reform that will impact millions of retirees, ensuring that they get the full benefits they are entitled to. In addition, it is expected that in the coming months the adjustments will continue for those who have not yet received their payment.
The approval of this law marks a historic change in the Social Security system, as it reverses the effects of the Earnings Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These regulations reduced or eliminated the benefits of those who had worked in sectors that did not contribute to Social Security, generating criticism for decades.
Changes in Social Security payments
With the repeal of the WEP and the GPO, public sector retirees will not only receive retroactive payments, but also increases in their monthly benefits. The SSA has reported that these increases will begin to be reflected from April 2025. According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, those previously affected by the WEP will receive an average increase of $360 per month.
Meanwhile, retirees who had been penalized by the GPO could see increases of between $700 and $1,190 per month. These adjustments aim to ensure that workers who dedicated their lives to public service receive fair payments in line with their contributions. It is estimated that up to 3.2 million people could benefit from these changes.
How to verify eligibility
The SSA has reported that beneficiaries will receive official notifications by mail with details about their retroactive payments and monthly adjustments. Those who have not received their compensation should wait until April before making further inquiries. In addition, some beneficiaries may need to take additional steps to access their benefits.
To confirm eligibility or submit an application, the SSA recommends visiting its website or calling 1-800-772-1213, available Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). When calling, you must mention “Fairness Act” to be attended by a representative specialized in the subject.
