Faster WEP and GPO Payments Announced for Social Security Beneficiaries

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced it will begin distributing retroactive payments for beneficiaries affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) later this month. The one-time retroactive payments, backdated to January 2024, are expected to reach many recipients by the end of March.

In a statement released Tuesday, SSA Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek confirmed that the agency commenced this payment process on February 24, 2025. Most beneficiaries impacted by the WEP and GPO should see these funds directly deposited into their bank accounts over the next month. However, the SSA cautions that individuals with more complex cases may experience delays as their records require manual updates.

“Social Security’s aggressive schedule to start issuing retroactive payments in February supports the government’s commitment to expedite financial relief for our public sector workers,” Dudek stated. “The American people deserve to get their due benefits as quickly as possible.”

Historically, the WEP and GPO have reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for about 3 million retirees, public employees, and their spouses. These provisions particularly affected federal employees under the Civil Service Retirement System and other public sector workers who have been waiting years for adjustments to their benefits.

The new distribution of retroactive payments comes after the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law by former President Joe Biden on January 5, 2025, effectively repealing the WEP and GPO. This legislation not only expedites payments but also facilitates a permanent increase in monthly benefit amounts beginning in April.

SSA officials initially estimated that implementing these changes would take more than a year due to budget constraints and staffing shortages. However, the utilization of advanced automation has enabled a more efficient process than expected. “This is much quicker than previously forecasted and will have an immediate, positive impact on those who have been waiting decades for this relief,” said John Hatton, staff vice president of policy and programs at the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE).

Individuals eligible for these retroactive payments will receive mail notifications from the SSA, detailing the adjustments made to their benefits. It is important for beneficiaries to verify that their contact information is current, as some recipients may receive two notices — one addressing the removal of penalties and another updating their new adjusted monthly benefit.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure that federal workers, retirees, police officers, and educators across the country can receive their full benefits,” said Edward A. Kelly, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). “These increased benefits will make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of retirees.”

Following the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, the SSA is urging beneficiaries to be patient as retroactive payments and monthly adjustments process incrementally in March. “Beneficiaries should wait until April to inquire about the status of their payment changes, given the high volume of adjustments being made,” an SSA announcement stated.