What's going on with Social Security?

Social Security is seeing a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, increasing average benefits by about $56 monthly, but this is offset by rising costs and new Medicare premiums, with many facing reduced net increases; significant changes also include new rules ending the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), meaning retroactive payments for some public workers, alongside agency efforts to modernize and streamline services, causing accessibility concerns.

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. 

What is the new update for Social Security?

The latest Social Security news centers on the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) effective January 2026, increasing average benefits and SSI payments to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation, alongside major changes from the new Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) for millions, with retroactive payments being issued soon. Additionally, discussions around long-term solvency and potential increases to the full retirement age are ongoing, with some Republican proposals suggesting raising it to 69 for future retirees. 

Is the government shut down going to affect Social Security payments?

No, Social Security payments (Retirement, Disability, SSI) generally do not stop during a government shutdown because they are mandatory spending from trust funds, not annual appropriations; payments continue on schedule, but SSA services like new applications, benefit verifications, and card issuance slow down due to reduced staff. The U.S. Postal Service also continues operating, so checks still arrive. 

What is the new law for Social Security 2025?

For 2025, the major Social Security law change is the Social Security Fairness Act (HR 82), signed Jan 5, 2025, eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) for public servants, potentially increasing benefits for millions; also, new tax deductions for overtime pay (under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act) and routine Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) are occurring, impacting benefits and tax filings for the year. 

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2025

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. 

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. 

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.

Can the government take your Social Security benefits?

Yes, the government can reduce or withhold Social Security benefits in specific situations, like for child support/alimony (garnishment), or due to certain government pensions (WEP/GPO), though the unfairness rules (WEP/GPO) were largely removed by the 2025 Social Security Fairness Act, and there are ongoing debates and proposed changes regarding eligibility criteria for disability, but generally, your earned Social Security retirement is protected unless you owe money or have other specific pension offsets. 

What does the government shutdown 2025 mean?

From October 1 to November 12, 2025, the federal government of the United States was shut down as Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives advanced a continuing resolution, but Senate Democrats repeatedly blocked it.

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.

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. 

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).

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security benefits?

You can lose Social Security benefits by working while collecting early, leading to earnings limits; incarceration, which suspends payments; or through garnishment for federal debts like taxes, student loans, or child support, along with other factors like remarriage or changes in disability status. 

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.

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. 

What is going on with Social Security in 2025?

In 2025, Social Security beneficiaries saw a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), raising average benefits by about $49 monthly, alongside an increased Social Security tax cap for high earners to $176,100. Significant legislative changes, like the Social Security Fairness Act, started impacting taxes and benefit adjustments for some, while the ongoing debate about long-term solvency continued, with projections showing trust fund depletion by the 2030s if no action is taken. 

What did Bill Clinton do to Social Security?

August 15, 1994 President Clinton signed legislation (H.R. 4277) establishing the Social Security Administration as an independent agency.

Do I get my husband's state pension if he dies?

In most cases, the State Pension cannot be passed on to anyone else. But you might be able to claim some of the money or increase your own State Pension if you were: married, or.

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.

Is it possible Social Security will go away?

While Social Security is unlikely to disappear, it may undergo changes. Nevertheless, you can take proactive steps now to prepare for potential changes and protect your future retirement income.

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. 

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. 

Are people on Social Security going to get extra money?

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.