If you’re a retired public worker, teacher, or anyone who’s had their Social Security reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO), April 23, 2025 might be a date to watch closely. Thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed both provisions earlier this year, many retirees will see long-overdue boosts in their benefits—including possible retroactive payments averaging $6,710.
Whether you’re expecting your first check, a corrected payment, or just a bump in your monthly deposit, here’s a detailed breakdown of who qualifies, what’s changed, and how to make sure you’re getting everything you’re owed.
Why Some Pensioners Are Getting Payments in Late April
Routine Schedule – Plus Major Legislative Changes
The Social Security Administration (SSA) typically issues payments based on your birthday. For April 2025, people born between the 21st and 31st of any month will receive their monthly benefit on Wednesday, April 23.
But this year is different. That late April deposit could include adjustments tied to the repeal of WEP and GPO, especially if you’re a public sector retiree who’s previously had their benefits reduced or denied.
Quick Overview of WEP and GPO Repeal
For decades, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) cut or eliminated Social Security benefits for those receiving government pensions—like teachers, police officers, and civil servants.
- WEP: Reduced retirement benefits for those with non-Social Security-covered jobs.
- GPO: Slashed spousal or survivor benefits for public pension holders.
In January 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law, fully repealing both provisions. As a result, 3.2 million Americans are seeing their benefits recalculated—often with lump-sum back pay and monthly increases.
April 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th | April 9, 2025 |
| 11th–20th | April 16, 2025 |
| 21st–31st | April 23, 2025 |
| SSI Recipients | April 1, 2025 |
If you recently became eligible due to the Fairness Act or had your benefits recalculated, April 23 may be your first corrected payment.
Who Should Expect Extra Money?
The SSA is sending increased or retroactive payments to a few key groups:
- Public sector retirees (teachers, police, firefighters) previously affected by WEP or GPO
- Newly eligible Social Security claimants approved in early 2025
- Late filers or recent applicants from 2024 whose claims were delayed or under review
How Much Will You Get?
The exact amount varies, but many are seeing substantial gains:
| Type of Increase | Average Amount |
|---|---|
| Retroactive lump sum | $6,710 |
| Monthly increase from WEP repeal | Up to $1,190 |
| COLA increase (2.5% average) | ~$49/month (for retirees) |
Example: A retired firefighter penalized by WEP who was receiving $1,300/month may now receive $1,900/month, along with a retroactive payout going back 1–2 years.
How to Check Your April Payment Status
You can confirm your payment details and any retroactive increases by logging in to your SSA account.
Step-by-Step
- Visit ssa.gov/myaccount
- Sign in or create a mySocialSecurity account
- Navigate to “Benefits & Payment Details”
- Look for notes marked:
- “Retroactive Adjustment”
- “COLA Increase”
- “Payment Recalculation”
You can also call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office if needed.
Avoid Payment Delays
If you’ve changed banks, moved, or updated any personal information, make sure the SSA has your current:
- Direct deposit account
- Mailing address
- Phone number or email
Even minor discrepancies can cause delays. The fastest way to update your details is through your mySocialSecurity account.
Will This Affect Your 2025 Taxes?
Yes, potentially. Larger retroactive or monthly payments could raise your total income for the year.
2025 Social Security Tax Thresholds:
| Filing Status | Combined Income Limit | Taxable Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Over $25,000 | Up to 50% taxable |
| Married Filing Jointly | Over $32,000 | Up to 85% taxable |
Important: Retroactive payments are taxable in the year received. If your April 2025 check includes back pay, it could push you into a higher tax bracket for the year.
Use IRS Publication 915 or consult a tax professional for help calculating your taxable portion.
What About May 2025 Payments?
If your benefits were recalculated or just approved, expect your regular adjusted amount to arrive in May, on your normal schedule:
| Birth Date Range | May 2025 Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th | May 8, 2025 |
| 11th–20th | May 15, 2025 |
| 21st–31st | May 22, 2025 |
| SSI Recipients | May 1, 2025 |
First-Time or Recalculated Cases
If you applied for Social Security in late 2024 or early 2025 and were impacted by the WEP/GPO repeal, your first-ever check or adjusted payment may be issued in April. Delays have eased, but new applicants should monitor their SSA account regularly.
If you’ve appealed a previous denial or recalculation, April’s payment could also reflect the resolution of that case.
The repeal of WEP and GPO marks one of the most significant Social Security reforms in recent memory, restoring fairness for millions of public servants. For those affected, April 23 isn’t just payday—it’s a long-overdue correction. Stay proactive by reviewing your benefits, updating your info, and speaking to a financial advisor if your income situation changes.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the WEP/GPO repayment?
Anyone whose Social Security benefits were reduced due to WEP or GPO rules prior to January 2025 and who meets all other SSA eligibility criteria.
Will I get a notification from the SSA?
Yes, either by mail or through your mySocialSecurity account. Look for a notice titled “Benefit Recalculation Due to Legislative Change.”
