On June 9, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issued updates regarding the Social Security Fairness Act and beneficiary records. These updates cover several important topics, including when beneficiaries can expect an increase in payments, how to handle Medicare premiums deducted from SSA benefits and federal pensions, tips to avoid scams, and information about retroactive back payments.
Timing of Increased Benefits
Most beneficiary accounts were adjusted automatically in February 2025, with retroactive payments and new monthly benefits disbursed in March and April 2025, respectively. However, some accounts are more complex and require additional time for manual processing. According to the SSA, these complex cases are being expedited, and they are working on releasing past-due benefits and sending new monthly benefit amounts for each completed case. All beneficiary records are expected to be updated by early November 2025. Since the passing of the Act, the SSA has adjusted 91 percent of beneficiary records, totaling 2.5 million cases.
Medicare Premium Deductions from SSA Benefits and Federal Pensions
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) knows that some beneficiaries are experiencing dual Medicare premium deductions from their SSA benefits and federal pensions. They are working to refund those individuals affected. There is no need to call, but if you have specific questions about this issue, please contact CMS directly at 1-800-633-4227.
Avoiding Scams
It can be tricky to avoid scams related to the Act. Be cautious of any communication asking for payment concerning the Act. The SSA will never ask beneficiaries to pay for assistance to start, increase, or process benefits. If you receive a call or text requesting payment to expedite or enhance your benefits, hang up and do not engage with anyone making such offers. For more information on avoiding and reporting SSA-related scams to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General, please visit www.ssa.gov/scams.
Retroactive Back Payments
According to the SSA, if you were receiving benefits that were reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO) as of December 2023, the last month those provisions applied, any necessary payment adjustments would begin for benefits payable starting in January 2024 and will be paid in February 2024. To receive retroactive payments for those months, you must have been entitled to benefits that WEP or GPO either fully or partially reduced.
The act did not change the rules regarding the retroactivity of benefit applications. Generally, the retroactivity for spousal retirement and survivor benefits is limited to six months before the month in which the benefit application is filed. NARFE has urged the SSA Commissioner in a formal letter to reexamine the agency’s rules regarding retroactivity, particularly regarding discrepancies found in the six-month lookback period being enforced.
For more information about the SSA’s WEP and GPO update, please visit their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html.
