Latest news with #WEP
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kokua Line: Do community gardens have grace period on new rules?
Question : The city recently changed some of the rules at its shared gardens. Do you know how long we have to comply ? Some of us will have to substantially change our plots. Answer : Community gardeners have a one-year grace period to adapt their plots and common areas to the new rules, although that allowance does not apply to violations of rules that were in place before the revisions, according to Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation, which announced on May 14 that rules governing the Honolulu Recreational Community Gardening Program officially have been updated after four years of 'robust community outreach.' They were last revised in 1984, after being established in 1975. DPR said in a news release that 'plot permits may still be revoked during this (grace ) period for violations of any new rules that were part of the former rules and regulations. These include issues such as missed payments, failure to attend required meetings or cleanups, creating fire hazards, improper pesticide use, and violations of City or State laws.' You can review the updated rules on DPR's website, at. According to DPR, the rules aim to enhance garden safety, including by prohibiting roofing and imposing tree, fence and border height limits ; increase fairness and ease of plot turnover, including by requiring trees and woody plants to be in pots and not allowing garden spaces to be inherited ; reduce the burden on volunteers, including by modernizing communication and payment methods ; promote ecologically sound practices, including by prohibiting the use of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or soil amendments without prior approval and banning the use of Styrofoam ; and improve how the community garden program is run, with a transparent penalty process for rule violations. The city has 11 community gardens, with a total of about 1, 238 garden plots ; 300 people are on the waiting list, the news release said. Q : When will all the WEP /GPO cases be resolved ? I had to apply and have not received my past payment or a monthly payment moving forward. A : The Social Security Administration 'is helping most affected beneficiaries now, but under SSA's current budget, SSA expects that some complex cases that need to be processed manually could take up to one year to adjust benefits and pay all past due benefits, ' the agency said in an update to its website this week. SSA began adjusting benefits at the end of February and by June 6 had processed more than 2.5 million of about 3 million accounts affected by the Social Security Fairness Act, the website said. The agency also updated a warning not to fall for scams related to the SSFA or any other aspect of Social Security, saying : 'Unfortunately, bad actors might attempt to take advantage of situations when money is involved. SSA will never ask or require a person to pay either for assistance or to have their benefits started, increased, or paid. Hang up and do not click or respond to anyone offering to increase or expedite benefits. Learn more about Social Security-related scams, and how to report them to SSA's Office of the Inspector General, at /scams.' The Social Security Fairness Act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which had reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for people receiving pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security. The repeal made claimants newly eligible for Social Security or increased the benefits they did receive. Mahalo Mahalo for the offer to cut the line at the Ala Moana post office. I am a kupuna who was carrying heavy packages but I am proud of my strength ! Still, it was kind of you, the man who looked like a tourist with two young daughters.—A reader------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Newsweek
10-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Social Security Claims Skyrocket
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Claims for Social Security benefits have skyrocketed since the beginning of 2025, data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) reveals. In fiscal year 2024, the SSA processed 3.4 million retirement benefit claims. So far this year, individual retirement claims are up 13 percent compared to the same period last year, amounting to over 276,000 additional claims, according to analysis by the Urban Institute, a non-partisan think tank. Why It Matters Social Security payments are sent to around 70 million Americans every month. If this trend continues, the SSA is on pace to receive nearly 4 million online retirement claims in fiscal year 2025—an increase of more than 525,000 claims, or 15 percent over 2024. That would mark a sharp rise, given that from 2012 to 2024, the average annual increase was 3 percent, the Urban Institute reported. What To Know The rise in claims could be attributed to several reasons. The most significant change to Social Security benefits this year has been the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. "This eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) from the Social Security Act," Chad Gammon, owner of Custom Fit Financial, explained to Newsweek, "meaning that they now qualified for Social Security benefits." The WEP and GPO reduced Social Security benefits for public-sector workers who didn't typically pay Social Security taxes. WEP affects their own benefits, even if they also worked jobs that did contribute. GPO reduced spousal or survivor benefits. Some 2.8 million people were impacted and became eligible for full Social Security benefits earlier this year. Stock image/file photo: A Social Security card with a Treasury check and U.S. Dollars. Stock image/file photo: A Social Security card with a Treasury check and U.S. Dollars. GETTY That bill was passed in early January and coincides with the uptick in applications. In January, 409,867 new claims were made for benefits, up from 277,490 in December 2023. It is the only time since currently published records, dating back to 2016, that more than 400,000 people have applied for benefits in a single month. This momentum of new applications has somewhat tapered off, although new benefit claims are still higher than usual. In February, 334,000 new claims were made, and 384,000 in March. Other factors may have also had a hand in why Social Security applications have gone up. The Trump administration's wide-ranging changes, including staffing cuts and new application rules, may have prompted more people to claim benefits, according to an analysis by the Urban Institute. Former SSA Commissioner Martin O'Malley has frequently warned that changes at the agency, mandated by the Department of Government Efficiency, could "drive Social Security into a total system collapse." Former acting commissioner Leland Dudek, who led the agency between January and May, said "fearmongering has driven people to claim benefits earlier." The ongoing retirement of Baby Boomer Americans, which has expanded the pool of people eligible for retirement benefits, along with improved lifespans, also likely contributes to the rise in claimants. What People Are Saying The SSA said in an April 29 press release: "SSA has made significant strides in implementing the Social Security Fairness Act, having paid over $14.8 billion in retroactive payments to more than 2.2 million individuals affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset." The Urban Institute said in its analysis: "Looking ahead, it will be important to monitor whether changes in the SSA's administrative budget and the public's trust that Social Security will continue to provide promised benefits will affect the number of retirement claims and when people file." What Happens Next Social Security actuaries have long warned that the program is facing a projected shortfall, which could be exacerbated by a higher number of claimants. The trust fund, which, along with payroll taxes, helps pay for current retirement benefits, could be depleted by 2033, after which the system would be able to pay only 77 percent of scheduled benefits, according to a 2024 report by the Social Security Board of Trustees. "A surge in Social Security claims would have an immediate impact as it would add more total beneficiaries sooner than expected and draw on the fund sooner than expected," Gammon explained.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Social Security says 2.5 million retroactive payments processed so far
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has processed 2.5 million retroactive payments for teachers, firefighters, police officers and others with public pensions who were previously locked out of retirement benefits, the agency said last week. Signed into law by President Biden in January 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act requires the agency to adjust benefits for 3.2 million people, including future and past benefits. So far, Social Security has completed 90% of its caseload, according to its May 27 update. Payments are going to public pension holders previously barred from collecting full benefits under the federal retirement program due to two federal policies: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The Social Security Fairness Act ended these provisions, opening the door for millions to receive retroactive payments dating back to January 2024. December 2023 was the last month the WEP and GPO applied, according to the SSA. The agency did not immediately respond to CBS MoneyWatch's request for comment. If you're eligible for these payments, read on for the latest from the SSA. When will I get my retroactive payment? The agency started issuing payments on Feb. 25. According to the SSA, beneficiaries should have received a one-time retroactive payment deposited into the bank account the agency has on file for them by the end of March 2025. In terms of the new monthly benefits, most eligible parties should have seen payment increases starting in April. There's a one-month lag for Social Security payments, so the April payments reflected March's benefit. What if I haven't gotten my payment yet? The SSA previously said that most Americans would have to wait up to a year or longer to receive their benefits. While the agency has been able to expedite payments using automation, more complicated cases need to be processed manually and will take longer as a result, according to its website. The SSA said it expects all beneficiary records to be updated by November 2025. Those eligible who have still not received their payment can check account or call 1-800-772-1213 to make sure the SSA has the right address and direct deposit information for them on file. "Ensuring that SSA has the correct information allows you to get any retroactive benefits and your new benefit amount quicker," the agency says in its update. There are still 900,000 Social Security Fairness Act cases which must be completed by hand, USA Today recently reported. SSA employees told the news outlet that they have been directed to prioritize these cases over their other work. How much will benefits increase? The amount of the added payments hinges on a few factors, such as the type of Social Security benefit and pension a person receives. Some people will see "very little" adjustments, while others could see over $1,000 each month, according to the SSA website. How will I know if my monthly benefit was adjusted? Any beneficiaries who receive a retroactive payment, or a monthly benefit adjustment, will receive a mailed notice from Social Security explaining the change. To learn more about your eligibility and how the Social Security payments work, visit the Social Security Fairness Act website. What if I never applied for retirement? If you never applied for retirement — or a spouse's benefits — due to the federal laws in place before the Social Security Fairness Act was passed, you may need to file an application. To do so, visit As of the week ending May 23, the agency has received over 200,000 new applications for benefits since the law passed, and has processed 87% of them, according to the SSA website. Sneak peek: Where is Jermain Charlo? Baldwin grills McMahon on unallocated funds for students, schools, approved by Congress Hegseth orders Navy to rename USNS Harvey Milk, Jeffries calls it "a complete and total disgrace"
CBS News
04-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Social Security says 2.5 million retroactive payments have been processed. Here's what to know.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has processed 2.5 million retroactive payments for teachers, firefighters, police officers and others with public pensions who were previously locked out of retirement benefits, the agency said last week. Signed into law by President Biden in January 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act requires the agency to adjust benefits for 3.2 million people, including future and past benefits. So far, Social Security has completed 90% of its caseload, according to its May 27 update. Payments are going to public pension holders previously barred from collecting full benefits under the federal retirement program due to two federal policies: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The Social Security Fairness Act ended these provisions, opening the door for millions to receive retroactive payments dating back to January 2024. December 2023 was the last month the WEP and GPO applied, according to the SSA. The agency did not immediately respond to CBS MoneyWatch's request for comment. If you're eligible for these payments, read on for the latest from the SSA. When will I get my retroactive payment? The agency started issuing payments on Feb. 25. According to the SSA, beneficiaries should have received a one-time retroactive payment deposited into the bank account the agency has on file for them by the end of March 2025. In terms of the new monthly benefits, most eligible parties should have seen payment increases starting in April. There's a one-month lag for Social Security payments, so the April payments reflected March's benefit. What if I haven't gotten my payment yet? The SSA previously said that most Americans would have to wait up to a year or longer to receive their benefits. While the agency has been able to expedite payments using automation, more complicated cases need to be processed manually and will take longer as a result, according to its website. The SSA said it expects all beneficiary records to be updated by November 2025. Those eligible who have still not received their payment can check account or call 1-800-772-1213 to make sure the SSA has the right address and direct deposit information for them on file. "Ensuring that SSA has the correct information allows you to get any retroactive benefits and your new benefit amount quicker," the agency says in its update. There are still 900,000 Social Security Fairness Act cases which must be completed by hand, USA Today recently reported. SSA employees told the news outlet that they have been directed to prioritize these cases over their other work. How much will benefits increase? The amount of the added payments hinges on a few factors, such as the type of Social Security benefit and pension a person receives. Some people will see "very little" adjustments, while others could see over $1,000 each month, according to the SSA website. How will I know if my monthly benefit was adjusted? Any beneficiaries who receive a retroactive payment, or a monthly benefit adjustment, will receive a mailed notice from Social Security explaining the change. To learn more about your eligibility and how the Social Security payments work, visit the Social Security Fairness Act website. What if I never applied for retirement? If you never applied for retirement — or a spouse's benefits — due to the federal laws in place before the Social Security Fairness Act was passed, you may need to file an application. To do so, visit As of the week ending May 23, the agency has received over 200,000 new applications for benefits since the law passed, and has processed 87% of them, according to the SSA website.
Economic Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Social Security Fairness Act benefit increases reach 91% processed — what public employees need to know about their higher Social Security payments and lump sum retroactive checks in 2025
What exactly is the Social Security Fairness Act and who benefits? How much money will Social Security recipients actually get? Live Events Why have some people not received their payments yet? How has the Social Security Administration handled this massive workload? What does this mean for Social Security claimants going forward? FAQs: (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Social Security Fairness Act is making waves this year, providing benefit increases and lump-sum retroactive payments to nearly 3 million Americans. As of now, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has processed about 91% of these adjustments, speeding up what many expected to take over a year. If you're wondering where your updated benefits stand or what this law means for you, here's the latest on the Social Security Fairness Act payments and how it's reshaping Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law in January 2025, removes two big obstacles — the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These rules had cut benefits for people who worked in jobs with pensions not tied to Social Security payroll taxes, like teachers, firefighters, police officers, and federal employees under the Civil Service Retirement to SSA, roughly 2.8 million people were impacted by these reductions. The new law changes that, boosting benefits for about 3 million public servants and others with similar pension situations. Yet, not everyone in these groups will see an increase. Around 72% of state and local public workers already pay Social Security taxes, so they weren't affected by the old increases vary a lot. Some individuals will see only a small bump, while others could get over $1,000 extra each month. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that monthly Social Security payments could rise anywhere from $360 to $1,190 per person, depending on individual addition to higher monthly checks, the SSA is issuing lump-sum payments for back benefits starting as far back as January 2024. These retroactive sums have been processed together with new monthly increases for most 91% of benefit adjustments have been processed, about 300,000 cases remain. These often involve complex situations that can't be handled by automation and require manual example, some beneficiaries who passed away recently may have retroactive payments that need to be sent to their survivors. Others face issues like overpayments, where SSA will try to recover excess money previously are also new applicants who qualify because of the law and still need to file claims. The timing of these applications will affect when their benefits begin and the amounts they credits automation for processing the majority of these cases swiftly. Commissioner Frank Bisignano promised senators that all payments would be completed 'while the weather is warm.' The agency currently aims to finish updates by early November but is pushing to get it done this push has created new challenges. SSA employees are prioritizing about 900,000 complicated Social Security Fairness Act cases that must be handled by hand. This has slowed down other services like updating direct deposit information and dealing with Medicaid SSA workers report working overtime, including weekends, to meet the deadline, but delays and frustrations remain for many law's implementation is a huge change for the Social Security program — the biggest expansion in decades. It's expected to cost around $200 billion over the next 10 years, sparking debate about the program's financial the number of Social Security retirement claims is rising sharply in 2025, up 15% from 2024, fueled partly by this law and the growing number of retiring Baby Boomers. The SSA has also made staffing and policy changes this year that have confused and worried many suggest Congress might want to review the entire process to understand costs and impacts better. Meanwhile, beneficiaries should stay alert to updates and be prepared for some delays as SSA works through its employees with pensions but no Social Security payroll taxes, like teachers and firefighters, SSA aims to finish all payments by early November 2025.
