The Social Security Administration is making progress in issuing retroactive payments to over 1 million Americans, resulting from the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, impacting millions of workers.
Since its signing in January, Social Security has paid out $7.5 billion in retroactive payments to 1.13 million people. The average payment so far is around $6,710. The agency aims to continue paying remaining retroactive payments and will begin higher monthly benefit payments starting April for eligible individuals.
The new law affects various groups, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, federal employees, and those with foreign social security systems. However, state and local public employees who pay into Social Security are exempt from the benefit increase due to WEP or GPO. The agency’s Acting Commissioner has stated that President Trump wanted the act implemented quickly, and the agency is committed to delivering results for American citizens.
Source: https://www.al.com/news/2025/03/social-security-pays-billions-in-retroactive-payments-averaging-6710.html