What is happening with Social Security in 2023?

In 2023, Social Security provided beneficiaries with a significant 8.7% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) due to high inflation, raising average monthly payments and the maximum benefit, while also seeing changes to the taxable earnings cap and retirement earnings test limits, with Medicare premiums actually decreasing, offering some relief to recipients.

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.

What did Congress just pass regarding Social Security?

What is the Social Security Fairness Act (Act) and who does it help? The Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025. The Act ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

Why are some Social Security recipients going to get two checks in December?

SSI recipients get two payments in December

In this case, it's an adjustment for a holiday falling on New Year's Day. All other Social Security payments will go out on the regular dates in January. According to the schedule of Social Security benefit payments, December is the last month each year with a double payment.

Is there anything new going on with Social Security?

The biggest recent news for Social Security is the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, increasing average benefits by about $56/month, alongside rising Medicare Part B premiums and changes to earnings limits for working retirees, plus new rules eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and GPO for some public workers, impacting millions with retroactive payments. Beneficiaries also need to use Login.gov or ID.me to access online accounts now, as old Social Security usernames are gone.
 

This is what's happening to your Social Security in 2023

What is the problem with Social Security today?

The main problem with Social Security today is a looming long-term funding shortfall, projected to deplete its trust funds around 2034, meaning future benefits could be cut by about 20-25% unless Congress acts, primarily due to an aging population, longer life expectancies, and a lower ratio of workers to beneficiaries. While the system isn't "insolvent" (it will still collect taxes), it won't cover all promised payments, leading to potential benefit reductions and a growing financial gap that requires policy changes, such as raising taxes or cutting benefits. 

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. 

Why are Americans getting a $4800 check today?

Americans are set to receive a Social Security check worth up to $4,800 today, but not all seniors are happy about the increase in monthly payments. Social Security benefits grew by 3.2 percent this year, in accordance with this year's calculated cost of living adjustment (COLA).

Why would I get an extra check from Social Security this month?

You got extra Social Security money this month likely due to a retroactive payment for past underpayments, a benefit recalculation from higher past earnings, a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), or potentially changes from the WEP/GPO rollback, but it could also signal an overpayment if you received too much previously; check your SSA account or notice for specifics, as reasons vary from system fixes to life changes. 

Are Social Security recipients getting an additional check?

No, there isn't a universal "extra check" for all Social Security recipients, but some groups are getting larger payments due to a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, retroactive payments for Windfall Elimination/Government Pension Offset issues, or state-specific supplements, with some seeing two checks in December 2025 due to the calendar. The main change is the annual COLA increasing benefits by about $56 monthly starting January 2026, plus potential back pay for certain public retirees and state-funded SSI boosts. 

Will senior citizens get a raise in 2025?

The dollar amount increase to checks will vary depending on a person's benefit amount, but the average Social Security Retirement benefit, $2,008.31 in July 2025, will grow by about $56.

What is the new bill passed for seniors?

What is the new deduction for seniors? The senior deduction is an exemption for filers 65 and older introduced in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It allows seniors to claim an additional $6,000, whether they itemize or take the standard deduction.

Why is money being deducted from my Social Security check?

Social Security is taken from your check as a mandatory payroll tax (FICA) to fund retirement/disability, but deductions from your benefits can happen for reasons like unpaid federal debts (student loans, VA loans), Medicare premium increases (Part B/D), overpaid benefits, or voluntary tax withholding for higher earners. It's essential to check your Social Security statement or contact the SSA to know the specific reason for deductions from your payments, as it's different from the regular tax on wages. 

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. 

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 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 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. 

Who would qualify for $200 Social Security increase?

A $200 Social Security increase isn't official but is part of proposed legislation, the "Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act," which would give an extra $200 monthly from Jan-July 2026 to Social Security/SSI/Railroad retirees, disabled vets, and pension recipients, aiming to offset inflation, though it's not passed yet. Eligibility under this proposal covers all Title II Social Security beneficiaries (retirees, survivors, SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, Railroad Retirement beneficiaries, and Veterans receiving disability or pension benefits. 

Why did I get extra money from Social Security this month, October 2025?

You likely received an extra Social Security payment in October 2025 because it was a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment for November, paid early due to the calendar, or potentially a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for the 2026 increase, though the COLA generally starts in January 2026, with notices in late 2025. SSI recipients often get two payments in a month if the first of the next month falls on a weekend or holiday, with November's payment arriving in late October. 

Is everyone getting $3,000 from the IRS?

Rumors of a universal $ 3000 check from the IRS have gained traction on social media, but these claims are not true. As of 2025, there is no federal program authorizing a new $ 3000 stimulus, rebate, or automatic payment to all Americans.

Are Social Security recipients going to get a stimulus check?

Yes, people receiving Social Security, SSDI, or SSI benefits did automatically qualify for past stimulus checks and generally receive them without filing taxes, but there are no new federal stimulus checks currently planned or being issued as of January 2026, so beneficiaries won't get more money unless Congress passes new legislation. Rumors of new checks are false; the last rounds were tied to COVID-19 relief, with payments going out automatically via direct deposit or mail, similar to benefit payments. 

Why are people getting $1400?

Most recently, these rounds occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021, when the government sent up to $1,200, $600 and $1,400 per person to eligible taxpayers as part of economic relief laws.

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. 

How to get $800 back from Medicare?

To get up to $800 back from Medicare, you likely have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or a Federal Employee Program (FEP) plan offering a Part B Premium Giveback or Medicare Reimbursement Account (MRA); you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A & B, and then submit proof of your Part B premium payments via the plan's app, website, or forms to get reimbursed, often as a credit on your Social Security check or direct deposit.