The Social Security Fairness Act has officially gone into effect in 2025, bringing long-awaited changes to how benefits are calculated for millions of American retirees.
Signed into law by President Joe Biden in January 2025, this legislation eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—two controversial rules that reduced benefits for many public-sector workers like firefighters, police officers, teachers, and survivors.
While the law brings significant relief for most, 900,000 retirees are still waiting to see their updated benefits due to complex processing issues. Here’s a complete look at what this law means, who benefits, and what’s happening with delayed payments.
What the Social Security Fairness Act Changes
The WEP and GPO provisions were enacted decades ago to prevent what lawmakers believed were “double-dipping” benefits. However, in practice, they slashed Social Security payouts for people who earned pensions from non-Social Security-covered jobs.
With their elimination in January 2024, retirees can now receive full benefits without reduction due to previous pensions.
Who Benefits from the Fairness Act?
The Social Security Fairness Act restores full benefits to millions. Here’s a breakdown of who gains:
| Eligible Group | Benefit Type Restored |
|---|---|
| Retired workers affected by WEP | Full retirement benefits |
| Disabled workers affected by WEP | Disability benefits restored |
| Spouses penalized under GPO | Spousal benefits reinstated |
| Surviving spouses denied benefits due to GPO | Survivor benefits restored |
| Late retirees who delayed retirement due to WEP/GPO | Retroactive and future full payments |
The average monthly increase is around $1,100 for many individuals, significantly enhancing their financial stability in retirement.
How Many Retirees Have Received the Boost?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), approximately 2.3 million out of 3.2 million eligible retirees have already received their updated payments. The SSA prioritized simpler cases that could be handled through automation.
But Why Are 900,000 Still Waiting?
900,000 cases are still pending, largely due to complex records, unclear pension documentation, or multiple income streams that require manual review.
These retirees are expected to receive:
- Updated benefit notices
- Lump-sum retroactive payments dating back to January 2024
- Monthly increased checks as soon as processing completes
When Will the Remaining Retirees Get Paid?
The SSA has committed to finalizing all delayed cases by early November 2025. Retroactive payments have already begun, with the first batches issued starting February 25, 2025, and are ongoing.
What Should You Do If You’re Still Waiting?
If you’re among the 900,000 retirees yet to receive updated payments, follow these steps:
1. Check Your my Social Security Account
Log in to ensure your address and direct deposit information are accurate.
2. Monitor Your Monthly Checks
Some retirees have reported receiving increased payments before receiving an official notice.
3. Watch for the SSA Notice
This letter will include your new monthly benefit amount and retroactive payment details.
4. Contact SSA If You See No Change by November
Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office if your payments remain unchanged.
What If You Haven’t Applied Yet?
If you were discouraged from applying for Social Security due to WEP or GPO, now is the time to act.
- Apply online at ssa.gov/apply
- You may be eligible for retroactive benefits dating back to January 2024
- Survivor benefits also apply under the new law
Don’t delay—timing affects both your eligibility and payout.
The Social Security Fairness Act is one of the most significant changes to retirement benefits in recent years. It has already brought relief to 2.3 million retirees, but 900,000 are still in limbo as the SSA finalizes reviews of complex cases. The good news? Everyone eligible will receive full benefits and retroactive pay—it’s just a matter of time.
If you haven’t yet applied because of past penalties under WEP or GPO, now is the perfect opportunity. Bigger Social Security checks could be closer than you think. Make sure your SSA details are up to date, keep an eye on your bank account, and stay informed.
FAQs
What is the average increase under the Social Security Fairness Act?
Most beneficiaries see an average boost of $1,100 per month, depending on their previous deductions under WEP or GPO.
When will all retirees receive retroactive payments?
The SSA has stated that all pending cases will be resolved by November 2025, with retroactive payments dating back to January 2024.
How do I know if I’m affected by WEP or GPO?
If you worked in a government job not covered by Social Security and had your retirement or spousal benefits reduced, you were likely impacted and now qualify for the update.