As older Americans plan for retirement or work toward financial security, understanding the latest Social Security updates from 2025 is essential.
This year brought several key developments that will affect how retirees and those nearing retirement think about income stability and long-term planning.
Perhaps most top-of-mind for retirees is the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment. Benefits will rise by 2.8 percent, adding roughly $50 a month to the average retirement benefit.
Another important change is the increase in the Social Security tax cap. In 2026, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax will rise to $184,500, up from $176,100 in 2025.
2025 also marked the 90th anniversary of Social Security’s creation, a reminder of how long this program has provided a foundation of financial security for generations of retirees. Additional updates include a new SSA identity verification option and a digital Social Security card option.
These updates matter because Social Security remains a cornerstone of retirement income for millions of older Americans. While many retirees supplement their Social Security with personal savings, pensions, or retirement accounts, the steady base of guaranteed income from Social Security helps manage essential expenses and reduces financial uncertainty.
We thank you for your viewership throughout 2025. We look forward to continuing to provide news and a platform for Social Security advocacy in the new year and beyond.
Help The Seniors Center Protect the Future of Social Security
The Seniors Center is committed to finding solutions to strengthen and protect the Social Security Trust Fund. Social Security is a contract between citizens and the government. Money deposited in the Trust Fund should only be used to pay benefits to eligible recipients.
The Seniors Center is demanding Congress finally put a stop to the careless borrowing and spending by greedy politicians that has put our Trust Fund and our secure retirement in jeopardy.
At The Seniors Center, our goal is to help seniors, and we’re doing that by protecting the future of Social Security. Retirees shouldn’t have to worry about losing their hard-earned benefits to taxes or the agendas of greedy politicians. If you agree, we invite you to sign our petition today! And follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
