In April 2025, approximately 3.2 million Americans will experience an increase in their Social Security benefits.
This adjustment follows the enactment of the Social Security Fairness Act in January 2025, which repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions had previously reduced benefits for many public sector retirees.
Understanding the Social Security Fairness Act
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law on January 5, 2025, aims to rectify long-standing reductions in benefits caused by the WEP and GPO.
The WEP affected individuals who received pensions from public-sector jobs not covered by Social Security, reducing their benefits even if they had contributed through other employment.
The GPO reduced spousal or survivor benefits for those who had government pensions without paying into Social Security. By eliminating these provisions, the Act restores full benefits to affected retirees.
Impact on Beneficiaries
The repeal of WEP and GPO positively impacts over 3.2 million retired public workers, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and federal employees.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that the removal of these provisions will increase monthly benefits by an average of $360 for affected individuals.
Additionally, some beneficiaries have received retroactive payments averaging $6,710, covering amounts owed since January 2024.
April 2025 Payment Schedule
The SSA has outlined the following payment dates for April 2025:
| Date | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|
| April 1 | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients |
| April 3 | Individuals receiving benefits before May 1997 and those receiving both SSI and Social Security |
| April 9 | Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th |
| April 16 | Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th |
| April 23 | Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st |
Receiving Increased Benefits
Beneficiaries affected by the repeal of WEP and GPO can expect their adjusted payments on the dates corresponding to their birthdates as outlined above.
The SSA has been proactive in issuing retroactive payments, with many recipients having already received these funds. If a beneficiary has not received their retroactive payment by the end of March, they are advised to contact the SSA for assistance.
The implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act marks a significant improvement in the retirement benefits for millions of public sector retirees.
By eliminating the WEP and GPO, the Act ensures that these individuals receive the full benefits they have earned.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to review the payment schedule and reach out to the SSA with any concerns regarding their benefits.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the increased Social Security benefits in April 2025?
Individuals who were previously affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO), primarily retired public sector workers such as teachers, firefighters, police officers, and certain federal employees, are eligible for the increased benefits.
How much will benefits increase due to the repeal of WEP and GPO?
On average, monthly benefits are expected to increase by approximately $360 for those affected. Some individuals may see increases up to $1,190, depending on their specific circumstances.
What should I do if I haven’t received my retroactive payment by the end of March?
If the retroactive payment has not been received by the end of March, beneficiaries should contact the Social Security Administration to inquire about the status of their payment.