A second amendment came on April 14, when the SSA announced that anyone wishing to apply for Social Security or make account changes over the phone could do so. However, new technology will scan for signs of possible fraud. If your account is flagged, you may still need to visit a field office. That's where things stand for the time being.

Key Points Social Security is a lifeline for older Americans, but unfair policies routinely cost seniors money. Adjusting the formula for COLAs could help seniors snag larger raises year to year. Changing the rules for taxing benefits could

With a significant rise in Social Security applications, retirees face financial decisions influenced by legislation and economic concerns in today's climate.

The agency currently has a backlog of approximately 575,000 applications thanks to a prior policy involved in the application process.

Seniors are unlikely to get a break on paying taxes on their Social Security benefits, an issue that impacts more people each year.

Concerns that job cuts and policy changes could threaten their benefits seem to be prompting a wave of people to sign up now even though waiting can be lucrative.

New government inflation data shows the pace of inflation has subsided from pandemic-era highs. Social Security beneficiaries may see a smaller benefit boost.

Social Security beneficiaries who were mistakenly overpaid will now have 50% of their monthly check withheld until all the money has been repaid.

Will the standard deduction increase cut taxes on Social Security benefits? For context, the estimated average monthly Social Security retirement benefit in January 2025 was $1,97