Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security in the United States During Q2 2025

Answer: The Social Security Administration has experienced significant website crashes and login issues since April 2025. This is due to new anti-fraud software from DOGE that wasn’t fully tested for high user volumes.claimyr+1

To resolve login issues:

1. Clear all browsing data and restart your computer
2. Use Firefox browser instead of Chrome/Safari
3. Turn off VPN services
4. Go directly to ssa.gov and click ‘Sign In’, then use Login.gov or ID.me (username/password login was eliminated June 7, 2025)
5. Ensure you use exactly the same email address format on both systemsssa+2

Many users experienced login loops between SSA and Login.gov due to incomplete system integration and shared email addresses between spouses.reddit+1

Answer: As of June 2025, the SSA had completed 90% of Social Security Fairness Act payments, sending over 2.5 million retroactive payments totaling more than $17 billion. About 200,000 complex cases still required manual processing.cbsnews+1

If you haven’t received your payment:

1. Call 1-800-772-1213
2. Wait until after receiving your April payment to inquire, as new amounts weren’t reflected until April
3. Complex cases may take until late 2025 to complete
4. If you never applied for benefits but think you’re now eligible, you need to file an applicationiaff+2

Answer: Social Security dramatically improved phone service during Q2 2025. Wait times dropped from 30 minutes in 2024 to an average of 6-13 minutes by mid-2025. The agency handled 70% more calls than the previous year.ssa+2

Call 1-800-772-1213 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday). However, calls to local offices may be redirected to other field offices under a new ‘phone sharing system,’ which means the agent may not have jurisdiction over your specific case. For best results, call during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening).ssa+3

Answer: Yes, you can still apply for all Social Security benefit types by phone. Starting April 14, 2025, the SSA implemented new anti-fraud technology that analyzes patterns in telephone claims. If irregularities are detected, you’ll be asked to complete in-person identity verification.ssa

However, most people can complete their applications by phone without in-person requirements. The SSA withdrew its proposed restrictions on phone services after public backlash. You can call 1-800-772-1213 to apply.aarp+2

Answer: Social Security benefits increased 2.5% in 2025. The average monthly retirement benefit is $2,006.69 as of July 2025 (up from $1,976 in January).kiplinger+1

Maximum benefits:

• $4,018/month at full retirement age
• $5,108/month if you delay until age 70

Payment schedule based on birth date:

• Born 1st-10th: 2nd Wednesday
• Born 11th-20th: 3rd Wednesday
• Born 21st-31st: 4th Wednesday

Those who claimed before May 1997 or receive SSI get paid on the 3rd of each month. The maximum taxable earnings for 2025 is $176,100.ssa+2

Answer: As of March 31, 2025, changing Social Security direct deposit information requires enhanced security verification due to fraud prevention (40% of direct deposit fraud was associated with phone requests).ssa

You can:

1. Use your my Social Security account online with two-factor authentication, or
2. Visit a local Social Security office in person with proper identification

Phone changes are no longer allowed. The good news: processing time has been reduced to one business day (down from 30 days). This aligns with security practices used by major banks.capecodfive+1

Answer: Only public employees who receive a pension based on work NOT covered by Social Security are eligible. About 72% of state and local public employees work in Social Security-covered jobs and are NOT affected by the Social Security Fairness Act.thehrdigest+1

If you paid Social Security taxes on your government job, you won’t see benefit increases. The law only affects those who worked for employers that didn’t pay into Social Security, such as:

• Some teachers, firefighters, and police in certain states
• Federal employees under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)ssa+1

Answer: In April 2025, millions of Social Security recipients received erroneous messages stating their payments had ended due to computer system glitches. This was caused by new anti-fraud software that wasn’t properly tested at scale.fortune

The messages were false alarms – actual payments continued to be deposited normally into bank accounts. These system crashes were linked to DOGE’s new fraud detection systems and IT staff reductions. If you receive such messages, check your bank account to confirm payments are still arriving, and contact the SSA if payments actually stop.fortune

Answer: The 2025 earnings limits are:ssa+2

1. Under full retirement age all year: $23,400 annually ($1,950/month) – $1 withheld for every $2 earned above this limit
2. Reaching full retirement age in 2025: $62,160 until your birthday month – $1 withheld for every $3 earned above this limit
3. Full retirement age or older: No earnings limit

These limits increased from 2024 ($22,320 and $59,520 respectively). You must report earnings changes to avoid overpayments, which can balloon if unreported.ssa+1

Answer: Social Security overpayments have increased due to system processing delays and unreported earnings. If you receive an overpayment notice:

1. Don’t panic – you have appeal rights
2. Request a waiver if you can’t afford to repay or weren’t at fault
3. Request a payment plan if waiver is denied
4. Appeal the overpayment determination if you believe it’s incorrect
5. Continue reporting all income changes promptly to prevent future overpayments

The SSA has eased some ‘clawback’ rules, but you must respond to notices within the specified timeframe.kiplinger+1