What is the big change coming to Social Security?

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. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).

What are the changes for Social Security for 2025?

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Current Retirees: If you're currently receiving Social Security benefits, there's good news: a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is coming in 2025.

What is the COLA increase for Social Security in 2026?

The Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is a 2.8% increase, effective January 2026, raising average benefits by about $56 monthly for retirees, though higher Medicare Part B premiums will reduce the net gain. This adjustment also raises the Social Security taxable maximum to $184,500 and adjusts earnings limits for those still working, impacting benefits for over 70 million Americans. 

What is the major change coming to Social Security checks?

Benefits will increase by 2.8%

The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is 2.8%. This is the increase all Social Security beneficiaries, including disabled and spousal beneficiaries, will receive, beginning with their January check.

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. 

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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 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 Social Security 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).

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. 

Is Social Security giving seniors extra money?

Yes, Social Security is giving seniors extra money through the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), with a 2.8% increase for 2026, starting with January 2026 payments, adding about $56 monthly to average retirement benefits to help keep up with rising prices. This adjustment applies to Social Security (OASDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for millions of Americans. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

What is happening on March 31, 2025 with Social Security?

At the conclusion of the transition period, on March 31, 2025, SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing. SSA will permit individuals who do not or cannot use the agency's online “my Social Security” services to start their claim for benefits on the telephone.

Are Social Security checks worth a maximum of $5108?

Maximum benefits will rise by more than $1,700 a year

Alongside the COLA boost, the maximum benefit an individual can receive is also increasing. It will climb from $5,108 per month this year to $5,251 each month in 2026.

Will Social Security recipients get a 2.8% benefits increase in 2026?

Yes, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, boosting benefits for nearly 71 million people starting in January, with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients seeing their increase in late December 2025. On average, this means about $56 more per month for retired workers, bringing the average to around $2,071, as announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in October 2025. 

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. 

Are people on Social Security getting extra money 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 number one mistake retirees make?

The top ten financial mistakes most people make after retirement are:

• 1) Not Changing Lifestyle After Retirement. ...
• 2) Failing to Move to More Conservative Investments. ...
• 3) Applying for Social Security Too Early. ...
• 4) Spending Too Much Money Too Soon. ...
• 5) Failure To Be Aware Of Frauds and Scams. ...
• 6) Cashing Out Pension Too Soon.

Is everybody getting a Social Security raise?

Yes, nearly everyone on Social Security is getting a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) raise for 2026, which began with SSI payments in late December 2025 and Social Security checks in January 2026, increasing the average monthly benefit by about $56 for most beneficiaries. This standard COLA applies to retirees, disabled individuals, survivors, and SSI recipients, though some may see higher benefits due to new legislation like a potential tax deduction for seniors. 

What's the average Social Security check right now?

As of late 2025, the average Social Security retirement benefit is around $2,000 to $2,012 per month, with specific figures varying slightly by source and exact month (e.g., $2,002.39 for October 2025 from Kiplinger, $2,012.30 for October 2025 from another Kiplinger source). This average applies to retired workers, with different amounts for other beneficiaries like spouses or survivors, and these figures are subject to the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
 

Why did I receive a random deposit from Social Security?

Unexpected Social Security deposits may result from cost-of-living adjustments or retroactive payments. Verify recent communications from the SSA and review your benefit statement online. If unsure, contact the Social Security Administration directly to confirm the deposit's legitimacy.

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.

How do you get extra money added to your Social Security check?

Additional work will increase your retirement benefits. Each year you work will replace a zero or low earnings year in your Social Security benefit calculation, which could help to increase your benefit amount.

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.