The Social Security Fairness Act has brought about an important change for millions of retirees, particularly for those who had previously been excluded from full benefits due to their status as federal government employees or public service workers.
With the recent adjustments, more than 3 million retirees will receive an increase in their Social Security benefits, and millions of others who were affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) provisions will also see a significant change.
These changes are a step towards ensuring fairness for those who contribute to Social Security but were not receiving their full benefits because of their government pensions.
The new law, which was approved during President Joe Biden’s final days in office, allows public workers who paid Social Security taxes to now receive their full benefits, starting from January 2025.
This article explains how you can check if your Social Security increase is accurate and if you have received the retroactive payments that are now due.
What Is the Social Security Fairness Act?
For many years, public employees who received pensions from non-Social Security covered work were affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
These provisions reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for individuals who did not pay into the Social Security system during their careers.
This affected teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public service employees who contributed to public pension systems but did not pay Social Security taxes.
The Social Security Fairness Act aims to fix this issue. It allows these employees to now receive full Social Security benefits, ensuring that those who worked in public service for years will get the same benefits as those who worked in private industries.
This adjustment is significant because it impacts over 3.2 million individuals who have been excluded from receiving full Social Security benefits due to these provisions.
How to Check If You’ve Received Your Payment Increase?
The changes outlined in the Social Security Fairness Act, combined with retroactive payments, mean that you may see an increase in your Social Security benefits. Here’s how you can check if you’ve received the correct amount.
Step 1: Review the Social Security Administration’s Letter
When the Social Security Administration (SSA) updates your benefits, it will send you a letter outlining the changes.
This letter will explain the specific adjustments to your benefits, including how much your monthly payment will increase and when the change will take effect.
For example, single retirees who are affected by the new law can expect an average increase of around $360 in their monthly payment.
Spouses or widows/widowers may see increases ranging from $700 to $1,190, depending on their specific circumstances. If you have received your letter and noticed an increase, this is the first step in confirming that the changes have been applied.
Step 2: Compare Your Monthly Benefits to What’s Written in the Letter
Once you’ve reviewed the letter, the next step is to compare the new benefits listed with the amount of money you are receiving. If you see an increase in your payment that matches the information provided by the SSA, then the adjustment has been correctly applied.
However, if the amount you received does not reflect the increase that was mentioned in the letter, you need to take action right away.
Step 3: Contact the SSA if There Are Any Discrepancies
If there is a discrepancy between the amount you expected to receive and the amount you were paid, it’s important to contact the Social Security Administration.
They will be able to investigate the issue and provide you with clarity on why your payment may not match the expected amount. Sometimes, delays or processing errors can occur, and it is best to address these issues promptly to avoid any financial stress.
The SSA provides customer service lines and other contact methods that can help you resolve discrepancies. They also offer online resources to track your payments, so you can keep an eye on any updates to your account.
What to Expect in the Future?
The Social Security Fairness Act does more than just provide retroactive payments. Starting in January 2025, individuals affected by the WEP and GPO will continue to see an increase in their monthly payments.
These changes will provide long-term financial relief for many public service workers who have given decades of service but were previously penalized due to the pension systems they were part of.
These changes also reflect the government’s commitment to providing fair and equitable treatment for all workers who contribute to Social Security.
While the legislation does not apply to individuals who have never paid Social Security taxes, it represents a major shift in how retirees who worked in public service are treated under the Social Security system.
Beneficiaries Who Will Be Affected
Public employees who were impacted by the WEP and GPO provisions can expect to see significant changes. This includes teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
It is estimated that around 28% of state and local public employees are in this situation, making this adjustment one of the most important legislative moves in recent years for public service workers.
Important Information to Remember
- Changes Apply to Public Service Employees – If you worked in a public service role and were affected by the WEP or GPO provisions, you are eligible for the benefits increase.
- Retroactive Payments Are Being Processed – If you are eligible for retroactive payments, they should have started being distributed in April 2025.
- Check Your Social Security Letter – Always review the letter sent by the SSA to ensure you understand the changes to your benefits.
- Contact the SSA for Clarification – If you notice discrepancies in your payment, don’t hesitate to contact the SSA for assistance.
Conclusion
The Social Security Fairness Act is a crucial step towards ensuring that public service workers receive the benefits they deserve after contributing to Social Security.
By following these steps to check your benefits, you can ensure that your increase has been properly applied and that you’re receiving the correct amount. Always remember to review your SSA letter, compare your payments, and contact the SSA if necessary to address any issues.
These changes will bring much-needed relief to millions of retirees, offering them greater financial security as they move forward. Whether you’re a teacher, firefighter, police officer, or any other public employee, these improvements ensure that you’ll receive fair compensation for your service.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.