The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2025 is the lowest since the post-Covid inflation spike. Yet retirees still face high prices.

Social Security only has nine years left until it becomes insolvent, and in light of the Social Security Fairness Act's recent passage, that might be too optimistic. The program is staying afloat by draining money from its trust funds, but it can't do that forever.

On January 5, 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law, marking a major reform for public sector workers, including firefighters, police officers and teachers. This law eliminates two controversial provisions – the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) — providing fairer Social Security benefits to millions.

When you are on  Social Security, you can expect your retirement benefits to increase during most years. That’s because Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) typically happen automatically from year to year.

Regardless of whether you have just entered the labor force or left it a long time ago, there's a high probability you'll rely on your Social Security check, in some capacity, to

If you're eligible to suspend your benefits, you aren't required to pay anything back, as benefits are just on pause instead of canceled completely. Another benefit is you don't have to submit a form to suspend your benefits -- you can just call the SSA and they can take care of the rest for you.

The Social Security Fairness Act is adding to the workload of a federal agency already short on staff, it says in urging patience.

Hundreds of thousands of public employees − including at CSU and Poudre School District − stand to get a Social Security boost from a federal change.

The Social Security Fairness Act is set to significantly increase benefits for many public service workers by eliminating outdated rules. If you qualify, you might also receive back payments for 2024.