Social Security benefits are increasing in 2025, with some retirees seeing up to $1,071 more per month. If you’re a current or soon-to-be retiree, understanding how to claim this boost and maximize your benefits can make a significant difference in your financial future.
This guide explains who qualifies, how benefits are calculated, and key strategies to get the most out of Social Security.
Whether you’re already collecting benefits or planning for retirement, read on to learn how you can take full advantage of this increase.
Social Security Boost – Key Details
| Data/Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Monthly Increase | Up to $1,071 |
| Reason for Increase | Elimination of Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) & Government Pension Offset (GPO) |
| Who Benefits? | Public sector retirees, government workers, and affected spouses |
| Estimated Impact | Over 2 million retirees will see higher benefits |
| Full Retirement Age (FRA) | 67 for those born after 1960 |
| Delayed Retirement Benefit | 8% increase per year if delayed until age 70 |
| Spousal & Survivor Benefits | Can increase household benefits |
Understanding these key points can help retirees plan ahead and maximize their Social Security income.
What Is the $1,071 Social Security Boost?
The $1,071 boost is a result of the Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates two controversial provisions:
- Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) – Previously reduced benefits for those who worked in public sector jobs and received pensions from those roles.
- Government Pension Offset (GPO) – Reduced spousal or survivor benefits for individuals receiving a government pension.
With these provisions removed in January 2025, many retirees will now receive higher Social Security payments.
Who Qualifies for the Social Security Boost?
You may benefit from this increase if you:
- Worked in public sector jobs (e.g., teachers, firefighters, police officers) and were affected by WEP or GPO.
- Have a government pension that previously reduced your Social Security benefits.
- Are a spouse or survivor whose benefits were offset due to GPO.
- Have a long work history and were penalized under WEP due to receiving both a government pension and Social Security.
How Social Security Benefits Are Calculated
Social Security benefits are based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If you have fewer than 35 years of work history, missing years are counted as zeros, which reduces your benefit.
Ways to Maximize Your Benefit:
Earn More During Your Career – Higher wages lead to higher Social Security benefits.
Work for 35+ Years – Replacing low-earning years boosts your benefit calculation.
Delay Claiming Benefits – Waiting until age 70 increases your monthly payout by 8% per year.
Example Calculation:
- If you retire at age 67 with a monthly benefit of $2,000, waiting until age 70 could increase your payment to $2,480 per month.
- Over 20 years of retirement, this adds up to $115,200 in extra Social Security income.
How to Claim the $1,071 Social Security Boost
1. Check Your Social Security Statement
- Log into mySocialSecurity to review your earnings history.
- Look for errors or missing years in your work record.
- Contact SSA to correct mistakes and ensure you receive your full benefits.
2. Know Your Full Retirement Age (FRA)
- 67 years old for those born after 1960.
- Claiming before FRA reduces your benefits permanently.
- Delaying until age 70 increases benefits by 8% per year.
3. Consider Spousal & Survivor Benefits
- If you’re married, you may claim benefits based on your spouse’s work record.
- Spouses with lower earnings can receive up to 50% of the other spouse’s benefit.
- If one spouse passes away, the survivor can receive the higher benefit amount.
Additional Strategies to Maximize Social Security Benefits
1. Work Longer to Replace Low-Income Years
If you have less than 35 years of work history, continue working to replace zero-earning years with higher wages.
2. Delay Benefits Until Age 70
For every year you delay Social Security past FRA (67), your monthly payment increases by 8%.
3. Stay Informed on Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
Social Security increases annually to keep up with inflation. Staying updated on COLA changes ensures you receive accurate benefit adjustments.
Tax Considerations for Social Security Benefits
Will Your Social Security Benefits Be Taxed?
Your benefits may be taxable depending on your total income:
| Filing Status | Income Threshold | % of Social Security Taxed |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Above $25,000 | Up to 50% taxable |
| Married (Joint) | Above $32,000 | Up to 50% taxable |
| All Filers | Above $44,000 | Up to 85% taxable |
Ways to Reduce Taxes on Benefits:
- Withdraw from retirement accounts strategically to stay under income limits.
- Use Roth IRA withdrawals, which aren’t counted toward Social Security taxation.
- Consider delaying Social Security to minimize tax impact.
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits
If you are eligible, you can apply for Social Security online, by phone, or in person:
| Method | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Online | Visit SSA.gov and apply through My Social Security. |
| Phone | Call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. |
| In-Person | Schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office. |
