If you are 63 years of age or older, there is good news for you – you will soon be receiving a new Social Security payment. And this is not just a simple payment, but it is bringing a very big amount and increased monthly pension for many people.
All this has been made possible due to an important law, which is being called the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023. This law has been made especially for those people who were previously deprived of their rightful money due to some rules – such as teachers, policemen, firefighters and other government employees.
What is the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023?
The purpose of this new law is to end the old injustice, where the Social Security amount of some people was reduced because they worked in jobs that did not come under Social Security.
Two major rules have now been removed:
Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): This reduced the Social Security amount of those who had worked in private jobs other than government jobs.
Government Pension Offset (GPO): This reduced the Survivor Benefit given to the spouse or widow/widower, if they were getting a government pension.
Now both these rules have been abolished, which means that millions of retired people will start getting more Social Security amount.
Who will benefit from this change?
✅ 1. You have worked in a government job
If you have done such a job from which you get a government pension, but you did not contribute much to Social Security (like a teacher in Texas or a firefighter in California), then earlier your Social Security amount was reduced. Now this will not happen.
✅ 2. You are the spouse or widow/widower of a government employee
Such people earlier used to get very little of their Spousal or Survivor benefit due to GPO. Now they will get their full entitlement.
✅ 3. You are 63 years of age or older
This rule is being implemented first for those 63 years of age or older. Many people of this age are already taking Social Security, so they will get the new benefits first — lump sum payment of old dues and more pension every month.
What will be available under this new change?
- Lump sum retroactive payment (from January 2024 to March 2025)
People whose Social Security was reduced earlier will now get its old dues. - An average lump sum of $6,710 (about ₹5.6 lakh) will be received.
- You will get this money directly in your bank account or through check by March 2025.
🔹 Monthly pension increases (starting April 2025)
- Retired employees: Average $360/month increase
- Spouses: Average $700/month increase
- Survivors: Up to $1,190/month in some cases
Note: This amount is separate from the 2025 2.5% COLA increase, meaning you’ll get both benefits.
Social Security payment dates
Your payment comes based on your date of birth:
- Date of birth Payment date
- 1st to 10th Second Wednesday of each month
- 11th to 20th Third Wednesday of each month
- 21st to 31st Fourth Wednesday of each month
Example: If you were born on March 15, your pension will come on the third Wednesday of each month.
If you’re due to receive a retroactive payment, it will come as a separate transaction — into a bank account or by check.
✅ What to do for seniors 63+? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Check your eligibility
👉 Check your earnings and pension information by visiting the My Social Security portal.
Update your information
👉 Make sure SSA has your correct address, email and bank details so that payments are not delayed.
Wait for an official notice
👉 SSA will send you a letter or email telling you how much you will receive and when.
If you don’t get any information by April, contact
👉 If you haven’t received any information or payment by April 10, 2025, call SSA: 1-800-772-1213
👩🏫 Real-Life Case Study
Sandra, age 67, was a school teacher in Illinois for 35 years.
- Her Social Security benefit was reduced by $400/month under the WEP, even though she was eligible from another job.
- She will now receive a one-time payment of $5,200 and
- her monthly amount will increase by $400 starting in April 2025.
Conclusion: This change brings relief to millions of seniors
The Social Security Fairness Act 2023 is a historic step that gives those who have served society for years their rights. If you or someone you know is 63+ and has worked in government service, this news could be a huge relief for them.
👉 Stay informed, update your records and take timely action — so you can get everything you deserve.
FAQs
1. Who qualifies for the new Social Security payment?
Seniors aged 63 and older who are currently receiving Social Security benefits or have recently applied may qualify, depending on their income and benefit history.
2. When will the new Social Security payment be issued?
Payments are expected to be disbursed within the next few days. Exact dates depend on your birthdate and the SSA’s official payment schedule.
3. How much will eligible seniors receive?
The amount varies based on factors like work history, earnings, and benefit type (e.g., retirement, SSDI, or SSI). Most payments reflect cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for 2025.
4. How can I check if I’m eligible for this payment?
You can check your eligibility by logging into your My Social Security account or contacting the SSA directly.
5. Is this a one-time payment or a regular increase?
It depends. Some seniors may receive a one-time adjustment or backpay, while others could see a monthly increase due to updated benefit calculations or COLA.