4 Things You Can Count on With Social Security in 2025

As Social Security undergoes annual updates like the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and policy debates continue, some core aspects of the program remain consistent. These unchanged elements ensure stability for beneficiaries, offering predictability in an evolving economic landscape.

Here are four things about Social Security benefits that will stay the same in 2025.

1. Age Requirements for Eligibility

The age thresholds for claiming Social Security benefits remain unchanged:

• Early Retirement Age: You can still begin collecting benefits at age 62, but keep in mind that starting early reduces your monthly benefit.
• Full Retirement Age (FRA): Depending on your birth year, the FRA remains between 66 and 67. For example, anyone born in 1960 or later reaches full eligibility at age 67.
• Delayed Retirement Credits: Waiting past your FRA to claim benefits will increase your payments by 8% annually until you reach age 70.

These age requirements allow retirees to plan their financial futures with consistency.

2. Benefit Calculation Formula

The way Social Security calculates benefits remains the same:

• Your Highest-Earning 35 Years Count: The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses your 35 highest-earning years to determine your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME).
• Short Work Histories Can Reduce Benefits: If you worked fewer than 35 years, zero-income years are included in your calculation, lowering your benefit amount.

The consistent formula ensures that benefits are tied to your lifetime earnings, providing a predictable framework for retirees.

3. Social Security Funding Through Payroll Taxes

Social Security continues to be funded by payroll taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA):

• Employee and Employer Contributions: Employees pay 6.2% of their wages toward Social Security, with employers matching that contribution for a combined 12.4%. Self-employed individuals pay the full 12.4%.
• Wage Cap: For 2025, income above $167,700 is not subject to Social Security taxes, keeping the wage cap system consistent.

The reliance on payroll taxes provides a stable funding structure, even as debates about the program’s solvency continue.

4. Spousal and Survivor Benefits

Spousal and survivor benefits remain an essential part of Social Security:

• Spousal Benefits: Eligible spouses can claim up to 50% of their partner’s Social Security benefit.
• Survivor Benefits: If a beneficiary passes away, their spouse or dependents may be eligible for survivor benefits, often equal to the deceased’s monthly payment.

These provisions provide critical financial support to families, ensuring they can rely on Social Security in times of need.

Why This Matters

Even as adjustments like the COLA change payment amounts annually, the fundamental structure of Social Security offers retirees and families stability. Knowing what stays the same can help beneficiaries make better financial plans and avoid surprises when navigating their benefits.

For personalized advice, visit ssa.gov or consult with a financial advisor to maximize your Social Security income.