Hello everyone! Welcome to Shoeba Español TV, the channel where we always bring you the latest, most reliable and useful information on topics of public interest. I am here to explain what changes are already in effect in 2025, which ones may occur and how these could affect those who receive Social Security, SSI, or Medicare benefits.
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Changes already in force from January 1, 2025
As of January 1 of this year, there are several important changes that are already in effect and affect both those receiving Social Security benefits and those who are about to apply. Here is a complete breakdown:
2.5% increase in Social Security payments
All Social Security beneficiaries, including those receiving retirement, disability, survivors' benefits, and veterans, are already receiving a 2.5% increase in their monthly payments.
This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is automatic and applies no matter where you live. So if you live in Puerto Rico, Mexico, or any other country, you will also receive this increase. However, I want to clarify something important: although the increase is 2.5%, some people might not notice a significant change due to adjustments in other areas, such as the increase in the Medicare premium, which I will discuss later.
Payment dates according to the benefit you receive
It is important to remember that Social Security and SSI payment dates remain consistent:
SSI recipients: Always receive their payment on the 1st of each month, unless the payment falls on a holiday or weekend, in which case the payment is made on the previous business day. For example, January 1 was a holiday, so SSI recipients should have received their deposit by December 31, 2024.
Combined beneficiaries (SSI + Social Security): These individuals receive the SSI payment on the first day of the month, and the Social Security payment on the 3rd of each month, unless it falls on a holiday.
For those who receive only Social Security, payment dates are based on the day of birth:
Born between the 1st and the 10th: They receive their payment on the second Wednesday of the month.
Born between the 11th and the 20th: They receive their payment on the third Wednesday of the month.
Born between the 21st and the 31st: They receive their payment on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
If you have questions about when you will receive your payment, check your Social Security benefits letter or contact the administration directly.
Medicare Adjustments for 2025
One major change already affecting many beneficiaries is the increase in the basic Medicare Part B premium, which rose from $174.70 in 2024 to $185 in 2025. This represents an increase of $10.30 per month.
Some beneficiaries may feel that the 2.5% increase in their Social Security payments is not fully reflected, as part of that increase automatically goes toward covering the new Medicare premium.
For example, if you received a monthly payment of $1,000 in 2024, the 2.5% increase should bring it to $1,025. However, with the new Medicare premium, you could see a smaller adjustment due to this automatic deduction.
Changes to earnings limits
Another important change for this year is the new income limits for those who have not yet reached full retirement age:
In 2024, the limit was $22,320. This year, the limit rises to $23,400.
For those who reach full retirement age in 2025, they can earn up to $62,160 before reductions are applied to their benefits.
If you've already reached full retirement age, good news! There's no limit on how much you can earn while collecting Social Security benefits. This means you can work and earn $100,000 or more without your payments being affected.
Income cap for paying Social Security taxes
The taxable income cap has also changed. In 2024, the cap was $168,600; now, in 2025, this cap rises to $175,100. This means that only the first $175,100 of your income is subject to Social Security tax.
For those earning more than this limit, the excess will not be subject to this tax, although it may be subject to other taxes, such as Medicare.
Changes pending approval
So far, Congress and the Senate have passed a number of bills that President Biden plans to sign soon. These include:
1. Reforms for beneficiaries with public pensions: Those who receive a pension based on jobs not covered by Social Security, such as teachers or police officers, could see adjustments to their benefits. This law has bipartisan support and is expected to go into effect after its official signing.
2. Increases in benefits for survivors and widowers: There are proposals to improve payments in these categories, but they are not yet final.
At Shoeba Español TV, we will be on the lookout for any updates and will let you know immediately.
Rumors and unconfirmed changes
Many of you have seen alarming headlines on social media or videos that say things like:
"Social Security will be privatized."
"They will raise the retirement age."
"Benefits will be cut."
So far, there is no concrete evidence that these proposals are being seriously considered. Social Security has remained strong since reforms in 1983 and 1996, and any significant changes would require time and broad political support.
What to expect from the future?
While no immediate drastic changes are anticipated, the new administration may focus on improvements to the system, especially in areas such as customer service and access to online services. I encourage you to conduct your business through the Social Security website whenever possible, as physical offices are limiting walk-in service.
I want to thank you for trusting Shoeba Español TV as your source of information. My commitment is to keep you informed of any changes that affect your benefits. Don't forget to subscribe, share this video and leave your questions in the comments.
See you in the next video! God bless you and have a great day.
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