America’s most important federal programs, the United States has reinstated National Social Security Month this April. The initiative coincides with the 90th anniversary of the Social Security program and introduces a series of major policy shifts that could have a direct impact on your wallet.
From benefit increases to policy revisions and new leadership at the Social Security Administration (SSA), here’s a breakdown of what’s changed—and what it could mean for you.
1. Higher Monthly Payments for Retirees and SSI Recipients
In 2025, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries received a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This annual increase is designed to ensure that benefits keep pace with inflation.
According to the Social Security Administration, the adjustment translates to an average increase of about $50 per month for retirees. The maximum monthly benefit for those retiring at full retirement age has increased to $4,018.
For many seniors, this adjustment provides modest but meaningful relief against rising living costs, especially housing and healthcare.
2. Repeal of WEP and GPO: A Major Win for Public Sector Workers
In one of the most significant policy overhauls in recent years, Congress passed and President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law in January 2025.
This legislation repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—rules that previously reduced benefits for certain public sector employees, such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers, who also received pensions from non-Social Security-covered employment.
According to reporting from The U.S. Sun, this change affects around 3.2 million Americans, many of whom are now eligible for full benefits. Retroactive payments averaging $6,710 have already been issued to some recipients, with monthly increases of approximately $1,100. However, nearly 1 million eligible individuals are still awaiting payments due to processing backlogs.
Those who believe they may be affected are encouraged to check their eligibility and update their records via the SSA’s My Social Security portal.
3. Overpayment Recovery Reform: Relief for Many
The SSA has faced criticism in recent years for its overpayment recovery policies, which often required beneficiaries to return 100% of overpaid amounts—frequently the result of SSA’s own miscalculations.
In April 2025, the agency made a critical change: it reduced the standard recoupment rate from 100% to 50%, easing the burden on those caught in repayment cycles. As of April 25, this updated policy is in effect and applies retroactively in some cases.
4. New Commissioner, New Tech: SSA Modernization Underway
In a move to bring more stability and technological reform to the SSA, the Senate confirmed Frank Bisignano as the new Commissioner of Social Security in April 2025. Bisignano, a former financial tech executive, is expected to lead a modernization push across the agency.
Plans under his leadership include:
- AI-powered customer service tools
- Improved fraud detection systems
- Streamlined application and appeals processes
These updates are designed to improve wait times, reduce processing errors, and make navigating Social Security benefits easier for users.
5. Protecting Against Fraud: New Anti-Scam Campaigns
In conjunction with National Social Security Month, the SSA also launched new anti-fraud initiatives to combat scams and identity theft that often target older Americans.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to:
- Use secure, government-owned platforms like www.ssa.gov
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails asking for personal information
- Report suspected fraud to the Office of the Inspector General
What This Means for You
If you receive Social Security or SSI benefits—or are planning to—you could be seeing increased monthly payments, relief from overpayment recovery, and stronger protections against fraud.
Public workers previously affected by WEP or GPO provisions may now qualify for full or retroactive benefits. Even if you’re not currently receiving Social Security, it’s a good time to review your earnings record, update your account, and prepare for your financial future using tools like the SSA’s Retirement Estimator.
Conclusion
The return of National Social Security Month is more than symbolic. It reflects a wave of important updates that affect millions of Americans’ financial health. Whether it’s bigger checks, fairer rules, or better digital tools, the Social Security program is entering a new chapter—with real benefits for your wallet.
For full details or to manage your benefits, visit the official Social Security website.