91% of Social Security Fairness Act benefit increases have been processed: Are you on the list?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has now distributed retroactive benefits to 2.5 million Americans impacted by outdated federal rules that limited retirement payouts for those with public pensions.
According to the agency’s latest update, 91% of eligible individuals under the Social Security Fairness Act have had their benefits recalculated and payments sent.
The law, signed by President Biden in January 2025, eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
These two policies had long reduced or blocked benefits for public-sector employees like teachers, police officers, and firefighters who received pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security.
The repeal means affected individuals are now owed monthly benefit increases and back pay reaching as far back as January 2024 – the first month not impacted by the repealed provisions.
While most of the caseload is complete, roughly 900,000 files still require manual processing.
What to know if you’re still waiting for payment
The SSA began issuing retroactive payments in late February 2025, with most recipients seeing deposits by the end of March. Monthly benefit increases followed in April, reflecting March’s recalculated amounts due to Social Security’s one-month payment lag.
However, not everyone has received their money yet. The SSA notes that complex cases are still being reviewed manually and that it could take until November 2025 to finalize all benefit records. The agency encourages those still waiting to verify their contact and bank information by logging in at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
“Ensuring that SSA has the correct information allows you to get any retroactive benefits and your new benefit amount quicker,” the agency explained in a May 27 update.
Meanwhile, USA Today reported that SSA staff have been told to prioritize the remaining 900,000 manual cases, some of which involve incomplete records or conflicting pension data.
How much will your benefit go up?
Benefit increases vary depending on each retiree’s circumstances. The SSA says that some individuals will see minimal adjustments, while others could receive more than $1,000 in additional monthly income. Those who qualify will be notified via mail of any retroactive payment or monthly change.
New applicants are also entering the system. Since the Fairness Act became law, over 200,000 people have filed new claims for benefits they were previously ineligible to receive. As of May 23, the SSA has processed 87% of those applications.
If you never applied for retirement or spousal benefits because WEP or GPO would have reduced or eliminated your eligibility, you may now qualify. The SSA urges eligible individuals to apply as soon as possible at ssa.gov/apply.
For more detailed information, the agency recommends visiting the Social Security Fairness Act resource page.