Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security in the United States During Q1 2025

Answer: The Social Security Administration began issuing retroactive payments starting February 24, 2025, with most payments completed by July 7, 2025. These payments cover benefits from January 2024 forward for those affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO). Monthly benefit increases began with March 2025 benefits (paid in April 2025). The retroactive payments are deposited into the same account as your regular Social Security benefits.ssa+2

The SSA completed sending over 3.1 million payments totaling $17 billion to eligible beneficiaries, 5 months ahead of their original estimate. Complex cases that required manual processing took longer, with some beneficiaries receiving adjustments through August 2025.kiplinger+1

Answer: Starting March 29, 2025, the Social Security Administration eliminated the old username and password sign-in method for my Social Security accounts created before September 18, 2021. You must now use Login.gov or ID.me to access your account.ssa+2

If you’re having trouble, create a new Login.gov account or ID.me account and link it to your Social Security account. Many users experienced issues due to shared email addresses between spouses or outdated contact information. The SSA recommends using separate, primary email addresses for each spouse’s account.bogleheads+2

Answer: Social Security benefits increased by 2.5% in 2025. The average monthly retirement benefit increased from $1,927 to $1,976 (an increase of $49). The maximum Social Security benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age in 2025 is $4,018 per month, while those who delay until age 70 can receive up to $5,108 per month.ssa+2

The maximum taxable earnings subject to Social Security tax increased to $176,100 for 2025. The earnings limit for workers under full retirement age increased to $23,400 per year ($1,950 per month).fuchsfinancial+2

Answer: Social Security customer service faced a severe crisis in early 2025 with wait times exceeding 2-3 hours. The national number is 1-800-772-1213 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday).aarp+2

Alternatives include:

• Using your my Social Security account online for most services
• Visiting a local field office (appointment recommended)
• Using the callback option when available

The SSA has been working to reduce wait times, which improved to an average of 6-13 minutes by mid-2025 through technological upgrades and staff redeployment.ssa+2

Answer: As of March 31, 2025, changing Social Security direct deposit information requires stronger identity verification. You can:capecodfive+2

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 due to fraud prevention measures (40% of direct deposit fraud was associated with phone requests). The SSA expedited processing to complete direct deposit changes within one business day (down from 30 days).ssa+2

Answer: Only public employees who receive a pension based on work NOT covered by Social Security may be eligible. About 72% of state and local public employees work in Social Security-covered jobs and are not affected.bairdwealth+2

If you paid Social Security taxes on your government job, you won’t see benefit increases. The law 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
• Workers covered by foreign social security systemsssa+2

Answer: Social Security payments follow a birth date schedule:thehrdigest+1

• Born 1st-10th: Second Wednesday of the month
• Born 11th-20th: Third Wednesday
• Born 21st-31st: Fourth Wednesday

For March 2025: March 12, 19, and 26. Those who claimed before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI get paid on the 3rd of each month. SSI recipients receive payments on the 1st (or the previous business day if it falls on a weekend/holiday).kiplinger+1

Answer: If you believe you should have received Social Security Fairness Act payments but haven’t, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. The SSA completed sending over 3.1 million payments totaling $17 billion by July 7, 2025.ssa+2

Some ‘complex cases’ required manual processing and took longer. If you never applied for benefits but think you’re now eligible due to the law, you need to file an application. The SSA processed over 278,000 new claims from people with non-covered pensions.copera+2

Answer: The Social Security Administration faced a perfect storm in early 2025:cbpp+2

• Massive website crashes due to expanded fraud checking systems
• Over 40% staff reductions under new management
• Implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act affecting 3+ million people
• New identity verification requirements
• Record call volumes

The SSA acknowledged the crisis and has been working to improve service, including reducing phone wait times from 30+ minutes to 6-13 minutes by mid-2025 through technology upgrades and process improvements.newsweek+2

Answer: Starting March 31, 2025, if you cannot verify your identity online through your my Social Security account, you must visit a local Social Security office in person to complete new benefit applications or change direct deposit information.youtubefinance.yahoo+1

However, phone applications are still allowed if you can pass anti-fraud checks. The SSA initially planned stricter requirements but rolled back some restrictions after public backlash. Existing beneficiaries with no changes needed no action.finance.yahoo+1youtube