SOCIAL SECURITY AND GOVERNMENT PENSION RECIPIENTS - IMPORTANT UPDATE!

 

SOCIAL SECURITY AND GOVERNMENT PENSION RECIPIENTS I am excited to share a significant update regarding the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) – the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that it will immediately begin issuing retroactive payments and adjusting benefit levels for those impacted by the now-repealed Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Key details of this latest development include: Retroactive Payments: Starting last week, SSA began processing retroactive benefits. Most beneficiaries will receive a one-time retroactive payment by the end of March 2025, deposited directly into their bank accounts on record with Social Security. This retroactive payment will cover the increase in benefits back to January 2024, the month when WEP and GPO no longer apply. Because retroactive payments are being expedited, beneficiaries may receive their payment before receiving an explanatory note. The agency urges beneficiaries to wait until after receiving their April benefit payment before inquiring about the timeline for their benefit adjustments.   Monthly Benefit Adjustments: In addition to retroactive payments, many individuals will see their monthly benefit amounts increased, with these adjustments first reflected in the benefit payment for April 2025 (for March benefits).   Complex Cases: Additional funding has been allocated to SSA to ensure the full implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act for all beneficiaries. While most cases will be processed automatically, some complex cases will require manual processing, which may take longer. The SSA will provide more details on timeline for these manual cases in the coming weeks. To ensure you receive your retroactive payments and adjusted benefits without interruption, please verify your mailing address and/or direct deposit information on file with SSA is accurate and up to date by visiting www.ssa.gov/myaccount. If you have any questions about the payment process, you can contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, reference their frequently asked questions, and register for future updates online here. Some of you may see a deposit in your bank account this week!  Even though Social Security has not yet sent the letter to you, the deposit is valid! Congratulations! Have a wonderful week and see you soon! Tina and Denise (This message reprinted from PORAC)