What changes are coming to Social Security in 2023?

In 2023, the main Social Security changes were a significant 8.7% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for benefits, a higher Social Security wage base for taxes ($160,200), and increased income thresholds for the Retirement Earnings Test for early filers, all designed to help recipients keep up with inflation, with higher earners paying more into the system.

What are the big changes coming to Social Security?

The earnings limit for workers who are younger than full retirement age (see Full Retirement Age Chart) will increase to $24,480. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $2 earned over $24,480.) The earnings limit for people reaching their full retirement age in 2026 will increase to $65,160.

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

You qualify for an extra ~$144 on your Social Security check if you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with a "Part B Giveback" benefit, which refunds some or all of your Medicare Part B premium, appearing as extra cash in your check, but eligibility depends on living in the plan's service area and paying your own Part B premiums. The "144" figure was common when the Part B premium was around that amount, but the actual refund varies by plan and location, potentially exceeding the full premium. 

Are seniors receiving extra money in 2025?

Yes, seniors are receiving extra money in 2025, primarily through a 2.8% Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for benefits starting January 2026 (based on late 2025 announcements) and a new, temporary $6,000 senior tax deduction (for 2025-2028 tax years) on federal returns, providing significant tax savings. The Social Security increase averages around $56 monthly, while the tax deduction adds to existing senior standard deductions, potentially reducing taxable income substantially. 

What is the COLA for Social Security in 2026?

The first Social Security payments of 2026 are set to go out in January, reflecting a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Social Security typically pays benefits on Wednesdays.

28 Days Away — Social Security Beneficiaries Can’t Believe What’s Coming

Are seniors on Social Security getting a raise in 2025?

Yes, Social Security recipients received a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, effective January 2025, increasing average benefits by about $48 monthly; this was announced in late 2024, with the next COLA for 2026 announced in October 2025. The 2025 increase followed a larger boost in 2024, reflecting lower inflation, and notifications for the 2025 raise were sent out in late 2024. 

What is the highest Social Security check anyone can get?

The maximum Social Security benefit varies by retirement age, with the highest possible monthly amount in 2026 being around $5,181 if you wait until age 70, while claiming at Full Retirement Age (FRA) yields about $4,152, and claiming at age 62 results in approximately $2,969. To get the maximum, you must have earned the taxable maximum for at least 35 years, had significant earnings above the annual wage base ($184,500 in 2026), and delayed claiming benefits past your FRA. 

Are seniors getting more money in 2025?

Yes, seniors are getting extra money in 2025 through a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security starting January 2025, meaning about a $49 average monthly increase, plus potentially a new $6,000 tax deduction for seniors aged 65+ on their 2025 tax returns, depending on income. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) also increased, and new tax breaks offer significant savings, but rising Medicare premiums will offset some gains. 

Who qualifies for the new $1400 stimulus check?

The $1,400 stimulus check, officially the third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) under the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, was for those with lower incomes in 2021, phasing out at $75k (single) / $150k (joint) AGI, with full cutoff at $80k (single) / $160k (joint), requiring a valid Social Security Number and US residency; most people got it, but some claimed it later via the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a 2021 tax return, a process that has since ended.
 

Who will get two checks from Social Security?

People who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), especially those also on regular Social Security or who started before May 1997, get two checks in certain months like December 2025 because the next month's payment (Jan 1st) falls on a holiday, so it's paid early on December 31st, creating a double payment for SSI recipients that month, not extra money. Regular Social Security recipients generally get one check based on their birth date, but can receive two checks if they are "dually entitled" (getting their own plus a spouse's/family benefit) and the combined amount is paid out differently. 

How to get $3000 a month in Social Security?

To get $3,000 a month from Social Security, you generally need a high lifetime income, averaging around $9,000+ monthly over your best 35 years, and ideally wait until at least your full retirement age (FRA), or even age 70, for maximum benefits, as claiming early reduces payments significantly; increasing high-earning years by working longer or in higher-paying jobs are the main strategies to reach this goal. 

Does everyone pay $170 for Medicare Part B?

Costs for Part B (Medical Insurance)

$185 each month ($202.90 in 2026) (or higher depending on your income). The amount can change each year. You'll pay the premium each month, even if you don't get any Part B-covered services.

What to do when Social Security is not enough to live on?

When Social Security isn't enough, supplement your income by exploring other government programs like SSI, SNAP, and Medicaid, working part-time, using retirement savings (401k, IRA), considering annuities for guaranteed income, delaying benefits to increase payments, and seeking help from non-profits like the National Council on Aging (NCOA) BenefitsCheckUp tool. 

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?

Claiming Benefits Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they're eligible, which is at age 62. While getting money sooner can be tempting, claiming early has a significant downside: your monthly benefit will be reduced.

Why did I get an extra Social Security check this month?

You likely received an extra Social Security payment due to a calendar quirk (two SSI checks in one month because the first fell on a weekend/holiday), a retroactive payment for past underpayments (like due to WEP/GPO changes), a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) adjustment, or correcting a previous error, but you must contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to know for sure, as it could also be an overpayment notice in disguise. Check for official SSA letters and your online account for explanations, as reporting changes (income, living situation) or processing delays are common reasons for adjustments. 

What will replace Social Security benefits?

In the proposals presented to the Commission, the use of retirement bonds--and annuities based on bond accumulations- would also replace the entire benefit structure of Social Security for the future.

Who is the IRS sending $1400 to?

However, the payment amounts may vary, according to the IRS. The full credit amount is available to individual taxpayers with up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income and to married couples who file jointly with up to $150,000 for 2021.

Who didn't get a stimulus will get one.?

Called the Recovery Rebate Credit, the tax provision helps people claim missed stimulus payments from 2021. If you were eligible but didn't receive the funds, you can still claim it. But there's a catch: You must file a tax return by April 15, 2025.

Who is not eligible for a stimulus check?

Your income is too high.

A big reason you won't qualify for a stimulus payment (or economic-impact payment, as the IRS calls it) is that you make too much money. You won't get a stimulus check if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is greater than: $80,000, if your filing status was single or married and filing separately.

Will seniors get a cola raise in 2025?

The COLA was 2.5 percent in 2025. Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2025.

Are seniors getting $300?

CRA Confirms New $300 Seniors Support Payment: Direct Deposit Set for 1 January 2026. CRA Confirms New Seniors Support Payment – The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced a new $300 seniors support payment scheduled for direct deposit on 1 January 2026, offering timely financial relief at the start of the new year ...

Do I get my husband's CPP after he dies?

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) survivor's pension is a monthly payment paid to the legal spouse or common-law partner of the deceased contributor.

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000/month in Social Security, you generally need a high earning history, around $100,000-$108,000+ annually over your top 35 years, but waiting to claim until age 70 maximizes this amount, potentially reaching it with lower yearly earnings, say under $70k if you wait long enough, as benefits are based on your highest indexed earnings over 35 years. The exact amount depends heavily on your specific earnings history and the age you start collecting benefits. 

How many people have $500,000 in their retirement account?

While exact numbers vary by source and year, recent data suggests around 7-9% of American households have $500,000 or more in retirement savings, though many more have significant savings in the $100k-$500k range, with a large portion of the population having much less, highlighting a big gap between the average (which is higher due to wealthy individuals) and the median (typical) saver. 

Why will some Social Security recipients get two checks in December?

Some Social Security recipients, specifically those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), got two checks in December 2025 because January 1st, New Year's Day, is a federal holiday, causing the January 2026 payment to be moved up to December 31st, resulting in December's payment (Dec 1st) and January's payment (Dec 31st) both landing in December. This is a standard Social Security Administration (SSA) practice for SSI payments, not a bonus, ensuring funds are available before holidays or weekends.