There are likely to be some signficat changes made to how social security will be in 2025. These changes could see a potential rise in the rates of social security that will be received, and the good news is that the changes could be approved as soon as the end of September.
What changes are expected?
Several changes are expected in 2025, with many of the changes cutting across the various social security benefits. These changes will include
New COLA.
- A new Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will be implemented in 2025, with an adjustment drop to an estimated figure of 2.57% from the 3.6% used in 2024.
- This signifies a percentage drop in COLA but, more importantly, will impact the amount of social security benefits received in 2025.
- The average Social Security retirement benefit was pegged at $1,864.52 for 2024, but with the new COLA, it is expected that this will rise to $1968 and impact all Social Security benefits.
The end of spousal benefits.
- Spousal benefits have been a mainstay of social security benefits for decades, but this year will be the last year they will be implemented, except if you are 70 years and older.
- Therefore, a couple will no longer have the option of switching between benefits while their spouse still enjoys their benefits. This change begins in 2025, so you better take advantage of the current system if you will not be 70 years old next year.
Changes in Full Retirement Age.
- FRA has been another important part of the social security benefits calculation, especially for individuals who are retirees and want to explore the option of extending the period when they can receive their retirement benefits so they can get at least 100% of their benefits as a result of an increase in the life expectancy of America’s elderly citizens. This will be another change that will happen in 2025.
What will be the benefits of the changes?
The many changes that will be happening in 2025 will occur under the umbrella of the bill known as the “Boosting Benefits and COLAs Act” and will have some notable benefits that, despite the initial worry that the changes might cause, will be of help in achieving the following:
The changes will raise benefits that will be used to help senior citizens cope more with their monthly expenses.
The changes will also play a vital role in ensuring that the benefits can stand side-by-side with and deal with the effects of inflation.
With the rising cost of medical care, the changes that will be implemented will help mitigate and reduce it. This will then provide you with even better Medicare service as a social security recipient in whatever form.
