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As we approach the end of 2025, it is crucial for retirees, workers, and beneficiaries to review the major shifts that occurred this year. 2025 was a year of significant adjustments, from inflation-driven raises to landmark legislative changes.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what happened in 2025 and what you need to prepare for as we head into January 2026.
1. The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
The COLA is designed to ensure that the purchasing power of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is not eroded by inflation.
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2025 Retrospective: Benefits increased by 2.5% in 2025. For the average retiree, this resulted in an additional $49 per month.
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2026 Outlook: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially announced a 2.8% increase starting in January 2026, a slightly higher jump reflecting the continued costs of healthcare and housing.
2. A Landmark Year: The Social Security Fairness Act
Perhaps the biggest news of 2025 was the full implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act. This legislation has been a game-changer for millions of public servants and immigrants (including many Brazilians working in the U.S.).
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What changed: The law effectively repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
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The Impact: Previously, individuals who earned a pension from a job not covered by Social Security (like a foreign pension or certain government roles) saw their U.S. benefits drastically reduced. In 2025, these penalties were eliminated, allowing beneficiaries to collect their full earned amounts.
3. Taxable Earnings and Work Credits
For those still in the workforce, the “ceiling” for social security taxes and the requirements for earning credits have shifted:
| Category | 2025 Value | Confirmed 2026 Value |
| Maximum Taxable Earnings | $176,100 | $184,500 |
| Earnings for 1 Work Credit | $1,810 | $1,890 |
| Max Monthly Benefit (at FRA) | $4,018 | $4,152 |
Note: The taxable wage base is the maximum amount of earnings subject to the 6.2% Social Security tax.
4. The Retirement Earnings Test Limits
If you are working and receiving benefits before reaching your Full Retirement Age (FRA), there are limits on how much you can earn before your benefits are temporarily reduced:
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In 2025: The limit was $23,400. For every $2 earned above this limit, $1 was withheld.
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In 2026: The limit will rise to $24,480.
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Note: Once you reach your FRA, these earnings limits no longer apply.
5. Medicare Part B Premiums
Most Social Security recipients have their Medicare Part B premiums deducted directly from their monthly checks. It is important to account for these increases:
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2025 Premium: The standard monthly premium was $185.00.
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2026 Projection: The premium is expected to rise to approximately $202.90, which may offset a portion of the 2.8% COLA increase for many seniors.
Conclusion: Stay Informed
2025 proved to be a year of increased transparency and digital growth for the SSA. If you haven’t already, now is the time to log in to your “my Social Security” account to review your 2025 tax forms and your updated benefit statement for 2026.
Whether you are already retired or planning your future, understanding these numbers is the first step toward financial security.