Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security in the United States During Q3 2024

Based on comprehensive research of Social Security Administration data, Office of Inspector General reports, customer service metrics, and public inquiries, here are the most frequently asked questions about Social Security during July, August, and September 2024, along with their correct answers.

1. What will the Social Security COLA be for 2025, and when will it be announced?

Answer: The 2025 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be 2.5%, officially announced on October 10, 2024. This was calculated based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of 2023 through the third quarter of 2024 (July, August, and September). usatoday+2

The estimated average monthly Social Security benefit will increase from $1,927 to $1,976, an increase of about $49 per month for the average retired worker. The increase takes effect in January 2025, with COLA notices mailed in December 2024. grahamlpa+2

2. How do I access my redesigned Social Security Statement online?

Answer: The Social Security Administration redesigned the Social Security Statement in 2024 to make it easier to read and more visual. You can access your redesigned Statement through your personal ‘my Social Security’ account at ssa.gov/myaccount. richardrusselllaw+2

The new Statement is streamlined from four pages to two pages and includes a bar chart showing personalized retirement benefit estimates at up to nine different ages. It also includes age-specific fact sheets tailored to your earnings situation. If you don’t have an account, you must create one to access your Statement. boldin+2

3. How can I protect myself from Social Security scams and fake COLA announcements?

Answer: Social Security scams peaked during summer 2024, including fake ‘$600 June increase’ announcements. Protect yourself by remembering: Social Security will NEVER: oig.ssa+1

  • Suspend your Social Security number
  • Threaten arrest
  • Ask for payment via gift cards/wire transfers/cryptocurrency
  • Demand immediate payment
  • Require personal information for COLA increases (COLAs are automatic)

Scammers use the ‘4 P’s’: they Pretend to be from SSA, claim there’s a Problem, create Pressure to act immediately, and demand Payment. Always verify by calling SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting ssa.gov. Report scams at oig.ssa.gov. ssa

4. What Social Security changes took effect in 2024?

Answer: Key 2024 Social Security changes include: ssa+2

  1. 3.2% COLA increase, raising average benefits by over $50/month
  2. Maximum taxable earnings increased to $168,600 (from $160,200), meaning higher-income earners pay up to $521 more in Social Security taxes
  3. Earnings test limit increased to $22,320/year ($1,860/month) for those under full retirement age
  4. Maximum Social Security benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age increased to $3,822/month
  5. SSI federal payment standards increased to $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples
  6. Full retirement age for those born in 1958 is 66 years and 8 months
5. How much can I earn while receiving Social Security benefits in 2024?

Answer: The 2024 earnings limits are: kiplinger+2

  1. Under full retirement age all year: $22,320 annually ($1,860 monthly) – Social Security withholds $1 for every $2 earned above this limit
  2. In the year you reach full retirement age: $59,520 ($4,960 monthly) until your birthday month – $1 withheld for every $3 earned above the limit
  3. Starting the month you reach full retirement age: No earnings limit

These limits only apply to work income, not investment income or retirement plan distributions. Money withheld isn’t lost – your benefit is recalculated at full retirement age to account for withheld benefits. ssa+1

6. When should I apply for Social Security if I’m turning 70?

Answer: If you’re turning 70 and want to maximize your benefits with delayed retirement credits, you should apply 3-4 months before you want benefits to start. For example, if you turn 70 in September and want September benefits, apply in May or June.socialsecurityreport

Benefits can only be retroactive for up to 6 months, and delayed retirement credits stop accruing at age 70, so there’s no benefit to waiting longer. You can apply online at ssa.gov/apply, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. The maximum benefit at age 70 in 2024 is approximately $4,873/month.cpajournal+1

7. Am I eligible for Social Security Fairness Act benefits as a public employee?

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
8. Why did I get an error message saying my Social Security payments stopped?

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

9. How much can I earn while receiving Social Security benefits in 2025?

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

10. What should I do if Social Security says I was overpaid?

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

Key Trends and Crisis Points in Q2 2025

The research reveals several critical developments that dominated Social Security inquiries during the second quarter of 2025:

Technology Meltdown: The implementation of untested anti-fraud software from DOGE created widespread website crashes, login failures, and false payment termination messages affecting millions of Americans.ssa+2

Social Security Fairness Act Implementation Lag: While the SSA successfully completed 90% of payments, the remaining 10% of complex cases created ongoing anxiety and questions about payment timing.planadviser+2

Customer Service Transformation: Despite dramatic improvements in phone wait times (from 30 minutes to 6-13 minutes), the new phone sharing system created confusion when calls were redirected to agents without jurisdiction over specific cases.npr+2

Security vs. Accessibility Balance: The SSA struggled to balance enhanced fraud protection with customer accessibility, initially proposing then withdrawing restrictions on phone services after advocacy pressure.aarp+2

Digital Transition Chaos: The forced transition from legacy username/password logins to Login.gov/ID.me systems on June 7, 2025, created widespread access problems for the 46 million users with older accounts.aarp+2

System Integration Failures: Poor integration between SSA systems, Login.gov, and new fraud detection software led to login loops, erroneous messages, and service disruptions that persisted throughout Q2 2025.ssa+2

These findings demonstrate that Q2 2025 was characterized by the collision of ambitious technological modernization efforts with inadequate testing and implementation, creating significant disruptions for the 72.5 million Americans who depend on Social Security services.newsweek+2

The period highlighted the challenges of rapidly implementing new technology systems while maintaining service for vulnerable populations, with advocacy groups and beneficiaries bearing the brunt of poorly executed digital transformations.