Some Social Security users will receive higher benefits due to a new law. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset limited public sector pensioners' entitlements.
A measure passed in January, soon before former President Joe Biden's departure, transformed this scenario.
This adjustment comes from the Social Security Fairness Act. This increases monthly benefits for those whose benefits were cut by the WEP and GPO. These folks also receive a one-time payment retroactive to January of the previous year, which helps many financially.
Beneficiaries will get their new monthly benefits this month after receiving lump-sum payments in February. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is meticulously processing these modifications to ensure recipients receive their due amounts.
The SSA expects the increased monthly benefits to start in April. Beneficiaries should expect delays. The SSA is expediting these cases, releasing retroactive benefits, and updating monthly benefit amounts. By early November 2025, all beneficiary records should be updated.
Social Security officials recommend waiting until April to inquire about retroactive benefits. About 75% of modifications have been processed as of March 28, affecting 2.3 million beneficiaries. These changes could enhance benefits by $630 to $1,000, up to $5,108 per month.
For April payments and budget planning, the standard Social Security retirement benefit schedule for 2025 and 2026 is online. Depending on the beneficiary's birth date range, the SSA pays retirement benefits on April 9, 16, and 23:
Births between 1 and 10 on Wednesday, April 9 Wednesday, April 16: 11th–20th births Wednesday, April 23: 21–31 births
SSI beneficiaries will receive one payment in April but two in May, on May 1 and 30. For recipients to budget, this timetable change is essential.
Beneficiaries who don't get paid on time should contact their bank or financial institution, according to the SSA. If the problem persists, recipients should call 1-800-772-1213 or visit their local Social Security office.