Social Security Changes in 2025: What Every Retiree Needs to Know

If you're nearing retirement—or already living on a fixed income—2025 brings some big updates to Social Security that could impact your monthly check, healthcare costs, and retirement strategy. Some changes are welcome. Others? Not so much.

Here’s what retirees and soon-to-be retirees need to prepare for right now.

1. Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Shrinks

After a massive 8.7% bump in 2023 and a more moderate 3.2% in 2024, the 2025 COLA is expected to be even smaller—possibly under 2%, according to early estimates. That means your monthly benefits may not keep up with rising prices for things like food, gas, and medication.

Bottom line?