For Florida retirees, Social Security changes are coming in 2025, and many of them could work in your favor. From clearer benefit calculations to updates that may make it easier to qualify, the upcoming changes are designed to simplify the system and support long-term retirement planning. Here’s what Florida retirees need to know about Social Security changes in 2025.
Why Are There New Changes?
Few things in life are perfect, and Social Security is no exception. With that being said, Social Security has been around for 89 years now. During this time, there have been many changes. A massive program like Social Security is not something that can just be created and left alone. It needs to evolve.
As a result, the federal government made some updates on how Social Security runs in an effort to make it more streamlined and accessible. Some of the main reasons include an increased cost of living across the board, as well as trying to modernize the Social Security Administration.
These are doubtless not the last of the changes, but they are up to date for 2025.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Changes
It’s no secret that the cost of living has gone up drastically in the past few years. Inflation tends to go up and down, but it seems like it rises more than it falls. Because of this, there have been some changes to Social Security in order to meet the needs of retirees who depend on their Social Security checks.
According to the Social Security Administration, beneficiaries will receive a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment in 2025. This isn’t just some random number. The Social Security Administration reports, “Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from the third quarter of 2023 through the third quarter of 2024.”
In 2024, Benefits.com reports that there was a 3.2% increase in the cost of living, so the 2025 changes are not quite as high, but it’s still an increase over what beneficiaries had one year ago.
The Social Security Administration offered some more details by reporting that more than 72.5 million Americans will receive about $50 more on their paychecks starting in January.
Low-Income Retirees May Receive Increased Benefits
Because of this, the Social Security Administration is rolling out increased benefits for low-income retirees. This goes beyond the increased cost-of-living changes and is limited only to beneficiaries who qualify. Some of the qualifications include:
- You must be 65 or older.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident.
- You must have low or no income.
- You must possess limited assets.
- You must be currently receiving or be eligible for SSI benefits.
You have to apply for this benefit and be approved. You can do so online at the Social Security Administration, in person at an SSA office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.
Adjustments in Eligibility Criteria
Getting on Social Security has been difficult for some in the past. That’s not drastically changing, but there’s some good news. For example, individuals who choose to continue working now have an increased earning limit, according to the Disability Law Group.
Essentially, you’ll be able to make more money while working. Once you hit a certain amount, your Social Security benefits may be reduced because you make too much. Now, you’ll be able to make more. This is great news for people who want to work a job while receiving their Social Security benefits.
New Appeals Process
Appealing a decision you don’t agree with can be a long, drawn-out process when it comes to Social Security. It can include a lot of paperwork, followed by waiting months to hear back that you need to file more paperwork before you ever hear an actual decision. While that’s not totally going away, there have been some beneficial adjustments to the appeals process.
Your first step is to file a request for reconsideration, according to the Law Office of Irene Ruzin. This needs to be done within 60 days after you are denied. If this doesn’t work out, you can appeal to an Administrative Law Judge, get a review by the Social Security Appeals Court, and finally, get a Federal Court review.
There is no guarantee that you’ll win your case, but you now have stronger options. This is a lengthy process, however, so don’t expect quick answers.
New Online Services
It can often be difficult to get a straight answer from the Social Security Administration. The most efficient way has been to go straight to the office, but this can result in long waits, even if you have an appointment. It’s possible to reach them by phone, but more often than not, you have to sit by your mailbox, waiting to get a letter that may take weeks to reach you. The Social Security Administration is taking steps to change that.
Social Security beneficiaries now have the option to create a “my Social Security account.” To set up your account, you simply need to visit: www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
Here you will be able to do things like view notices, set up text or email alerts when you get a new message, and more. You may still need to keep an eye on your mail for new messages, but the government is slowly trying to update Social Security so that it is more modern.
Speaking of online accounts, there have been some major updates as of June 7, 2025. You now need to use Login.gov and ID.me to sign in to your Social Security account, according to the SSA. There’s no longer an option to sign in using a Social Security username and password. This is to create increased security while online.
Are More Changes on the Way for 2025?
While it’s not clear, it seems like it may be possible. Congress is discussing some changes, but nothing final has been set up as of June 2025. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens next.
Now that we’ve answered some of your Social Security questions, let us help with your next move. Our specialty is finding the perfect new home for people over 55. We can assist with finding your new home. Contact us today for information about specific locations, moving, and so much more!
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