In 2025, millions of Americans are set to receive increased Social Security retirement payments, thanks to the new Social Security Fairness Act.
Signed into law on January 5, 2025, this act eliminates two provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—that previously reduced benefits for public employees, such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers.
More than 2.8 million people will benefit from these changes, which begin with larger monthly payments starting in April 2025.
Social Security Fairness Act Brings Relief to Public Employees
The WEP and GPO provisions had reduced Social Security benefits for those who had worked in jobs not covered by Social Security but received pensions from other sources. The elimination of these provisions, retroactive to January 2024, means that many retirees are receiving retroactive payments.
These payments, which were distributed in March 2025, amount to an average of $6,710 for affected beneficiaries. The payments correspond to the increased amounts that will continue to be paid monthly starting in April 2025.
Though the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act faced some logistical challenges, it marks a positive change for many retirees. The adjustments are particularly beneficial for public employees, such as teachers in states that do not offer Social Security coverage. Groups that were impacted by WEP or GPO make up about 28% of state and local public employees.
Continued Benefits in May 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) began adjusting payments for affected retirees on February 25, 2025. The retroactive payments were distributed in March, with the increased monthly payments taking effect in April.
For many beneficiaries, this increase represents money that should have been theirs all along but was previously withheld. In May 2025, the adjusted amounts will continue, with no further disruptions expected.
For some retirees, these increased payments are substantial, with some reporting monthly increases of more than $1,000. The SSA recommends that new applicants keep their contact information up to date and set up direct deposit to ensure the smooth delivery of payments.
Social Security Payment Amounts for 2025
In 2025, the maximum Social Security benefit amounts depend on the age at which a person begins receiving payments and the number of years they have worked and contributed to Social Security.
For those who have worked for at least 35 years with earnings at or above the annual Social Security tax limit ($176,100 in 2025), the maximum benefit amounts are as follows:
- At age 62: $2,831 per month
- At age 67 (full retirement age for those born in 1960 or later): $4,043 per month
- At age 70: $5,108 per month
However, most retirees will not receive the maximum benefit. About 99% of Social Security recipients see lower monthly payments, based on their work history and contributions. The average payments for retirees at different ages are:
- At age 62: $1,298 per month
- At age 65: $1,563 per month
- At age 67: $1,884 per month
- At age 70: $2,038 per month
These figures reflect averages and can vary depending on a person’s work history and the number of years they contributed to Social Security.
May 2025 Social Security Payment Dates
For Social Security beneficiaries, the payment dates in May 2025 will vary based on their birthdates. Payments will be made on the following schedule:
- If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, your payment will be made on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
- If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th, your payment will be made on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
- If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, your payment will be made on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
For those who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, or those who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), payments will be made earlier, on May 2, 2025, due to the weekend.
The Social Security Fairness Act represents a significant step forward in ensuring that public employees receive the benefits they deserve. Millions of retirees will benefit from the elimination of the WEP and GPO provisions, with many seeing substantial increases in their monthly Social Security payments.
With retroactive payments already distributed and continued increases through 2025, this change provides much-needed financial relief for many Americans.
