Millions of individuals receiving Social Security are encountering unexpected checks totaling at least $6,000. Numerous retirees who reached out to NBC 5 expressed confusion about the reason for this payment. The Social Security Administration is now clarifying the rationale behind these disbursements.
Why are Social Security beneficiaries receiving unexpected payments?
As reported by NBC 5, the $6,000 payment stems from the Social Security Act that was implemented this year. The SSA processed this payment after repealing two regulations known as the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which previously reduced benefits for certain retirees also receiving pension incomes.
“These regulations diminished or eliminated Social Security benefits for over 3.2 million individuals who qualify for a pension based on work not covered by Social Security (a ‘non-covered pension’) due to their not paying Social Security taxes,” the SSA stated, according to NBC 5.
Who is eligible for the Social Security Act payments?
The Social Security Administration is outlining the eligibility criteria for these payments, which average around $6,710. “Only those receiving a pension based on employment not covered by Social Security may see their benefits increased,” the administration indicated.
“Most public employees at the state and local levels – approximately 72 percent – are engaged in Social Security-covered roles where they pay Social Security taxes and are unaffected by WEP or GPO,” officials explained, as reported by NBC 5. “These individuals will not be eligible for an increase in benefits due to the recent legislation.”
The beneficiaries receiving the increase include educators, firefighters, and police officers from various states. Additionally, the increase applies to federal employees who are part of the Civil Service Retirement System, as well as those working under a foreign social security framework.
When will retirees receive their Social Security Act payments?
The SSA commenced payments on February 25, 2025, although some retirees are just beginning to notice the influx of payments.
“If a beneficiary is entitled to retroactive benefits as a consequence of the Act, they will receive a one-time retroactive payment, which will be directly deposited into the bank account recorded by the SSA, by the end of March,” the SSA disclosed. “This retroactive payment will account for the increased benefit amount retrospectively to January 2024, the month when WEP and GPO ceased to apply.”
Eligible individuals will receive a notification letter in the mail confirming their qualification. However, some individuals may receive payments without an accompanying letter.
The original post titled “Social Security Surprise Checks: Here’s Why Millions Of Beneficiaries Just Received $6K” appeared first on Blavity.
