Why Your Social Security Check Is Smaller Than Expected: How To Fix It

Welcome and thanks for joining us today as we dive into why your Social Security check might be less than you expected.

Many retirees are surprised when their monthly deposit falls short, making it harder to cover essential expenses. We will explain how working, Medicare premiums, and taxes can all reduce your benefits and what you can do to prevent your income. Keep watching to learn how these hidden factors could impact your finances and discover practical steps to help you plan ahead.

Many retirees are surprised to learn that working before reaching full retirement age can temporarily reduce their Social Security payments due to the earnings test, which for 2025 means if you are under full retirement age and earn more than $23,400.

Social Security will withhold $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. So, if you make $25,400 from part-time work, you will lose
$1,000 in benefits for the year. And this rule applies to both retirement and disability beneficiaries.

Though, supplemental security income or SSI recipients face even stricter income limits that can reduce or eliminate their payments entirely.

In addition, Medicare PartB premiums are automatically deducted from most social security checks with the standard premium just under $200 per month in 2025. And higher income beneficiaries may pay much more due to her sir charges, sometimes exceeding $500
monthly, which can be a shock for those who recently retired or took large withdrawals from retirement accounts.

Another factor is federal income tax on social security, which can apply to up to 85% of your benefits if your combined income exceeds $25,000 for individuals or $32,000 for couples, meaning your monthly deposit could be significantly less than you expected. These deductions and reductions can impact your ability to cover basic expenses, especially for those relying primarily on Social
Security. So, understanding these rules and how they apply to your situation is essential for planning your retirement finances effectively as we move toward practical steps to help you prevent your income.

Remember, earning more than $23,400 before full retirement age can reduce your Social Security payments by $1 for every $2 over the limit. And Medicare premiums or taxes can further shrink your check. Review your income sources carefully and consider spending with a financial advisor to plan around these reductions. For more information, visit socialsecurityalerts.news.

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