Social Security update
Those subjected to WEP, GPO can expect retroactive pay by end of March
By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
Feb. 26, 2025 – The Social Security Administration said this week that retirement benefit recipients who had been subjected to the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset can expect to receive retroactive benefits by the end of March.
The two Social Security provisions were repealed in early January when former President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act. The legislation provided for a lump sum payment back to January 2024 for those whose retirement benefits had been reduced by the provisions last year.
Earlier this month the administration said it was unclear when the retroactive payments would be made and when the monthly benefit amount would be updated, and that it could take a year or more to adjust to the new law.
But the administration now says it has begun making the retroactive payments this week and that “if a beneficiary is due retroactive benefits as a result of the Act, they will receive a one-time retroactive payment, deposited into the bank account SSA has on file, by the end of March. The retroactive payment will cover the increase in their benefit amount back to January 2024, the month when WEP and GPO no longer apply.”
Those who are to receive a retroactive payment and whose monthly benefit is adjusted can expect to receive mailed notices from Social Security advising them of the changes. The administration has asked recipients to wait until April to inquire about those changes because it will be making them incrementally throughout March.
It says the new benefit amounts will be begin in April “for their March payment.”
Social Security also says it will take applications by telephone for people who did not previously apply for retirement benefits because of the WEP, or for spouse’s or surviving spouse’s benefits because of the GPO.
If you meet those conditions, you’re encouraged to call 1-800-772-1213 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. When the system asks, “How can I help you today?” say “Fairness Act.” You’ll be asked a few questions, and your answers will help the administration connect you to a WEP-GPO-trained representative to take your claim.
You also may file online at the Social Security Administration’s website. (The survivor benefit is not available online.)
The Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed the provisions, applies to the benefits that some OPERS members receive – those who also worked in the private sector and thus paid into Social Security retirement. These benefits include retirement or disability benefits, and also spouse’s or surviving spouse’s benefits on another person’s Social Security record.
OPERS worked for many years to draw attention to these provisions because of their importance to our members.
There’s more information available on the Social Security’s website regarding the Social Security Fairness Act. Again, these were Social Security provisions, not OPERS provisions, and the only way you can receive the benefits you may be entitled to is to work through Social Security.
Michael Pramik
Michael Pramik is communication strategist for the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and editor of the PERSpective blog. As an experienced business journalist, he clarifies complex pension policies and helps members make smart choices to secure their retirement.
So, in light of this information, do new hires to OPERS need to still complete the SSA 1945 Form?
Steve,
Please contact the Social Security Administration about that issue.
Do not understand any of this.I worked 30 years for State .Did not pay into SS.Only got my opers retirement.I get conflicting stories on this.Can you verify on this.
Tracy,
It has no bearing on those who didn’t contribute to Social Security retirement during their careers.
Can i move my capital gain money from selling a house into Opers to avoid paying capital gain tax?
Voluntary contributions and rollovers can only be made to Defined Contribution plans such as the Member-Directed Plan and Combined Plan. Voluntary contributions and rollovers cannot be made to the Traditional Pension Plan or Money Purchase Annuity Plan. Please contact OPERS by submitting a message through the Message Center located under the My Account tab in your OPERS online account or by calling 1-800-222-7377 for account specific information regarding your rollover options.
When I retired, I did not have enough time in Social Security to get premium free Part A Medicare. Am I required to use my wife’s Social Security record to get my Part A premium paid, or is it an option? Currently O.P.E.R.S. reimburses me after I pay the premium.
Retirees may be eligible to receive the Medicare Part A premium reimbursement if they do not qualify for premium free Medicare Part A. I am providing a link to information about the Medicare Part A premium reimbursement, https://www.opers.org/health-care/opers-and-medicare.shtml. The Social Security Administration will determine if an individual is eligible for premium free Medicare Part A based on the individual’s or their spouse’s Social Security work record. Please notify OPERS immediately if you are receiving the Medicare Part A premium reimbursement and become eligible for premium free Medicare Part A under your spouse’s Social Security work record.
So with the WEB and GPO being eliminated, and I receive back payments from Social Security does that effect what I am receiving from OPERS for my retirement?
Vicki,
No. Your Social Security benefit has no bearing on your OPERS pension.
Michael, I recently received my back payment from social security due to windfall elimination provision. My wife received a small back payment of $56 a month even though she did not receive a pension, just social security. Is it possible that her social security benefit was affected by the fact she will receive my pension benefit upon my death? Thanks, Robert Maier
Robert,
OPERS cannot offer counsel concerning Social Security benefit payments. Please contact the Social Security Administration, either online or at 1-800-772-1213.
I would like enroll in the webinars, 2025 and the future years to come. Please send more
information concerning webinars and claiming available V/A unclaimed benefits
Thanks,
RD
I am very confused. So I worked for the City of Columbus for 19 years and put into OPERS, so do I qualify for the social security fairness act? I have searched for and answer and can not find one.
Saleh,
The Social Security Fairness Act pertains to people work in a public position that didn’t contribute to Social Security and also one in which they did contribute to Social Security. Please contact the Social Security Administration regarding whether you qualify for a Social Security benefit.
Hi All,
I received my lump sum payment the first of March. I applied in early February. The agent that I spoke with on the phone was just super–a real professional from Plains, Pennsylvania. Based on this year’s monthly payment, it amounts to exactly 9.2 months pay, not the 1 year I keep hearing. This amount is based on my spouse’s salary. I did not work long enough in the public sector to get the 40 quarters.