Last Tuesday, news broke that delighted many, as the Social Security Administration announced that it will begin to pay immediate retroactive benefits to all those affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision, known as WEP, and the Government Pension Offset, better known as GPO.
It was also announced that there will be an increase in monthly benefit payments for these people based on the recently passed Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) that eliminated the WEP and GPO
Mom can’t believe it! The first steps from this kid were filmed by security camera
Who qualifies for back payments?
These provisions, which no longer exist today, diminished or reduced Social Security benefits for more than 3.2 million people who receive a pension for working in something that is not covered by Social Security and therefore did not pay taxes for that concept. Among them are teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public service jobs covered by the Civil Service Retirement System, which is estimated to account for 28% of state and local government employees.
However, it should be noted that the new rule does not pay benefits to those who have never paid Social Security taxes, but for those who have, it is likely that their retroactive payments will begin in March and that more will be issued during April.
If I’m eligible, how do I know if I’ll get a payment?
It is important to keep an eye on your physical mail, as all eligible persons will receive a letter in which they will be able to clearly see the adjustments or payments and the dates on which they will receive them, and which will be reflected in their bank account registered with the Social Security Administration.
The Social Security Administration recommends waiting until April to ask any questions about retroactive benefits, as payments are processed on an increasing basis until early March, and increase as the days go by.
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