The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that it will expedite payments to over three million beneficiaries impacted by the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The agency confirmed that retroactive lump sum payments would begin in February, with increases in monthly benefits to follow in April.

The move follows the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by former President Joe Biden in January 2024. The legislation effectively eliminated the WEP and GPO, provisions that had previously reduced Social Security benefits for individuals receiving non-covered pensions. The affected group includes teachers, nurses, law enforcement officers, and federal employees under the Civil Service Retirement System, along with individuals whose work was covered by a foreign social security system.

Initially, the SSA projected that full implementation of the act could take up to a year due to budgetary and administrative constraints. However, the agency has since revised its timeline, stating that most beneficiaries will receive their retroactive payments in March through direct deposits. More complex cases requiring manual processing may still take longer.

“Social Security’s commitment to accelerating these payments reflects our priority to ensure that beneficiaries receive their rightful benefits as soon as possible,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “The American people should not have to wait longer than necessary to receive what they are owed.”

Starting in April, affected beneficiaries will also see their monthly payments increase to reflect the repeal of WEP and GPO. The SSA has assured that everyone receiving adjusted payments will be formally notified by mail. In many cases, recipients may see the lump sum payment deposited in their accounts two to three weeks before receiving an official notice.

The repeal of WEP and GPO marks a significant change for millions of retirees and workers who have long advocated for a fairer system. The decision to fast-track payments is expected to provide financial relief to many, particularly retired public service employees who were disproportionately affected by the prior provisions.

As implementation progresses, the SSA has advised beneficiaries to monitor their bank accounts for deposits and to refer to official communications from the agency for further details. Those with more complex cases requiring manual adjustments may be subject to longer processing times, though the agency has reassured that all affected individuals will ultimately receive their due benefits.

For more updates, beneficiaries can visit the SSA’s official website or contact their local Social Security office.

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