Some Social Security beneficiaries are in for an adjustment this month, and for most, it’s a good one. Due to a new law, increased benefits are coming. And for millions, the boost begins appearing in April payments.
What Changed?
In January 2025, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law. The law eliminated two rules that had cut benefits for public sector employees: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
These provisions had affected more than 3.2 million Americans. Some were police officers, firefighters, teachers, and postal employees. They had pensions from careers that did not contribute to Social Security. As a result, their Social Security benefits were reduced or blocked in their entirety.
Thanks to the new law, their benefits are being restored. And it’s already underway.
Payments Already Started
The Social Security Administration (SSA) started sending retroactive payments in February. By March 5, it had paid out over $7.5 million to 1.1 million individuals. The mean retroactive payment? $6,710.
By April 11, 2.3 million cases had been recalculated, which is around 81% of all impacted. The retroactive payments included benefit increases dating back to January 2024.
Monthly Benefit Increases Begin in April
Those who were impacted will now see their new monthly payment amounts. Beginning in April, payments are based on new calculations, taking out WEP and GPO.
So, when will people get these increased payments? That varies by birthdate.
Who Gets Paid on April 23
Social Security benefits are paid according to birthdate. If your birthday is after the 20th of the month, your check arrives on the fourth Wednesday. That day this month is April 23.
So if your birthday is between the 21st and 31st of any given month, you’ll receive your Social Security check including any increase in benefits on April 23.
How Much Will Benefits Increase?
There’s no flat amount. The increase depends on a person’s previous benefit and pension amount. Some will see modest boosts. Others could receive more than $1,000 extra each month.
These increases are permanent. They will reflect in every future monthly payment.
What If You’re Still Waiting?
Some of the recipients won’t receive their updated amount yet. The SSA indicates it takes some time to complete the updates. Around 19% of the cases in question remain to be processed.
Why the delay? There are a lot of records to update by hand. That’s time-consuming. The SSA projects all adjustments will be finished by November 2025.
Will I Be Notified?
Yes. If you’re getting a retroactive payment or a new monthly benefit, you’ll receive a mailed notice. The notice states what changed and why.
Do You Have to Do Something?
No action is needed if the SSA already has your correct mailing address and bank information. But if you’re not sure, you can check online at www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
What If You’ve Never Applied?
If you never applied for surviving spouse’s or spouse’s, or retirement benefits and believe you are eligible, you need to move now. Most benefits can be applied for online. But you have to call the SSA yourself for surviving spouse benefits.
Final Thoughts
April 23 is an important date for most Social Security recipients. And if you were born after the 20th of any month, today is payment day. And if you are one of the millions affected by the Social Security Fairness Act, you could finally realize the benefits you have earned.
This month represents a giant leap towards correcting a problem that had been decades in the making. And for many public sector retirees, that translates into larger checks and long-overdue justice.
