In a significant development for retirees and disabled workers, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that it has processed over 30,000 claims under the newly enacted Social Security Fairness Act. This new law aims to provide additional benefits to millions of Americans who were previously ineligible or receiving reduced benefits due to a decades-old provision known as the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).

The SSA estimates that approximately 2.97 million people may be eligible for increased benefits under the new law, which was designed to rectify a long-standing issue affecting certain retirees and disabled workers. The WEP had previously reduced benefits for individuals who received pensions from jobs that didn’t pay into Social Security, such as government or non-profit work.

The new law has sparked a wave of new claims, with thousands of Americans taking advantage of the opportunity to receive additional benefits. The SSA has reported a significant surge in applications, with over 30,000 claims processed to date. This number is expected to continue growing as more people become aware of the changes and apply for benefits.

Eligible individuals can expect to receive increased monthly benefits, with some recipients potentially seeing an increase of up to $400 per month. The SSA has stated that it will automatically review the records of those who may be eligible and contact them to provide more information.

The Social Security Fairness Act has been hailed as a major victory for retirees and disabled workers who have been fighting for years to have the WEP repealed. The new law is expected to provide much-needed financial relief to millions of Americans, helping to ensure a more secure retirement for those who have worked hard to earn their benefits.

As the SSA continues to process claims and implement the changes, eligible individuals are encouraged to apply for benefits and take advantage of the increased support available to them. With millions of people potentially eligible, the SSA is working to ensure a smooth and efficient process for all applicants.