Social Security : Many Social Security, SSDI, and Medicare beneficiaries are set to receive an additional $870 in benefits soon, thanks to a combination of annual cost-of-living adjustments and recently enacted legislation.
This comprehensive guide examines who qualifies for these extra payments, when they’ll be credited, and what recipients need to know to ensure they receive their full benefits.
Social Security The Extra $870: Where It Comes From
The extra $870 in payments that qualifying beneficiaries will receive in April 2025 is not a single payment but rather a combination of several benefit increases:
Social Security Fairness Act Implementation: The repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) is resulting in increased monthly payments for approximately 3 million beneficiaries starting in April 2025.
Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment: The 2.5% COLA for 2025 has increased monthly benefit amounts for Social Security recipients.
Medicare Part B Premium Savings: For some beneficiaries who were previously paying higher Medicare premiums due to the WEP/GPO provisions, the reduction in premiums will provide additional monthly savings.
Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset Repeal
The most significant source of the extra benefits comes from the Social Security Fairness Act, which was enacted in January 2025. This legislation eliminated two provisions that had previously reduced benefits for millions of workers:
What Were WEP and GPO?
Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): This provision reduced Social Security benefits for individuals who received pensions from jobs that didn’t require Social Security payroll tax contributions, such as certain state and federal employment.
Government Pension Offset (GPO): This reduced spousal or survivor benefits for retired government workers who didn’t pay into Social Security through their payroll taxes.
Impact of the Repeal
According to the Social Security Administration, the repeal of these provisions:
Affects approximately 3 million beneficiaries nationwide
Increases monthly payments by an average of $360 per month
Will be reflected in payments beginning April 2025 (for March benefits)
Includes retroactive payments for the period from January 2024 through March 2025
The average retroactive payment processed so far is approximately $6,710, with the Social Security Administration having paid more than $7.5 billion in retroactive benefits to over 1.1 million people by early March 2025.
Social Security Who Qualifies for the Extra $870?
To be eligible for the full extra $870 in monthly benefits, you would typically need to meet multiple qualifying criteria:
Primary Qualifiers:
Former Public Sector Employees: Teachers, firefighters, police officers, and federal employees who worked in positions not covered by Social Security but who also qualify for Social Security benefits through other employment.
Spousal or Survivor Beneficiaries: Those who receive benefits based on a spouse’s record who previously had those benefits reduced due to the GPO.
Medicare Enrollees: Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part B who are seeing premium changes.
Specific Eligibility Requirements:
For WEP-Related Increases: Must have earned a pension from employment not covered by Social Security AND have enough Social Security-covered employment to qualify for benefits.
For GPO-Related Increases: Must be eligible for spousal or survivor benefits AND have received a pension from non-Social Security covered government employment.
For COLA Increases: Must be a current recipient of Social Security, SSDI, or SSI benefits.
Social Security April 2025 Payment Schedule
The extra payments will be distributed according to the standard Social Security payment schedule for April 2025:
April 3: Payments for SSI recipients and for beneficiaries who started receiving Social Security before May 1997
April 9: Social Security payments for those born on the 1st through 10th day of the month
April 16: Payments for those born on the 11th through 20th day of the month
April 23: Payments for those born on the 21st through 31st day of the month
Social Security What Recipients Need to Know About Medicare Changes
The 2025 Medicare changes will affect the overall benefit amounts that Social Security recipients receive:
Medicare Part B Premium Increases
The standard monthly Medicare Part B premium has increased to $185.00 for 2025, up from $174.70 in 2024 (a $10.30 increase)
The annual deductible for Medicare Part B has increased to $257 in 2025, up from $240 in 2024 (a $17 increase)
Medicare Part A Deductible Changes
The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible is now $1,676 in 2025, an increase of $44 from $1,632 in 2024
Daily hospital coinsurance for days 61-90 has increased to $419 (up from $408)
Important Medicare Improvement for 2025
A major positive change for Medicare beneficiaries in 2025 is the implementation of a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, which eliminates the “donut hole” coverage gap that has existed for years.
This change could provide substantial savings for those with high prescription drug costs.
Social Security How to Check Your Eligibility and Payment Status
If you believe you qualify for these increased benefits but haven’t received notification, here are steps to verify your eligibility and payment status:
For WEP/GPO Elimination Benefits:
Wait Until April: The Social Security Administration has advised beneficiaries to wait until after receiving their April payment before contacting them about monthly benefit amounts, as the new amount will not be reflected until April (for the March payment).
Check Your Mail: The SSA is sending notifications by mail outlining changes to benefits and details of retroactive payments.
Contact Social Security: If you haven’t received notification by mid-April, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Wait times are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and toward the end of the month.
Social Security For Medicare Information:
- Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for specific questions about Medicare coverage and billing.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Expected Payments
If you believe you qualify for increased benefits but don’t receive them as expected in April, take these steps:
Verify Your Information: Ensure the SSA has your current contact information and direct deposit details.
Check Payment Schedule: Confirm the expected payment date based on your birth date or benefit type.
Review SSA Notifications: Check any correspondence from SSA regarding your specific situation.
Contact Social Security: If your payment doesn’t arrive within a week after the scheduled date, contact the SSA directly.
Social Security Additional Resources and Support
For those who need further assistance with Social Security and Medicare benefits:
My Social Security Account: Create or access your account at ssa.gov/myaccount to view benefit verification letters, payment history, and update your information.
Medicare Savings Programs: These may help pay for Medicare premiums and other out-of-pocket costs for people with limited income and resources. Visit medicare.gov/medicare-savings-programs for information.
Extra Help Program: This program helps Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug costs. Apply online at ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help.
Social Security Conclusion
The extra $870 in benefits that many Social Security, SSDI, and Medicare recipients will receive in April 2025 represents a significant financial boost, particularly for those previously affected by the WEP and GPO provisions.
While not every beneficiary will receive exactly $870 (the amount will vary based on individual circumstances), the combined effect of the Social Security Fairness Act implementation, annual COLA, and Medicare changes will provide substantial additional support to millions of Americans.
By understanding your eligibility, keeping track of the payment schedule, and knowing how to verify your benefit status, you can ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to receive. If you have questions about your specific situation, don’t hesitate to contact the Social Security Administration or Medicare for personalized assistance.
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