Millions of Social Security beneficiaries in the United States should be on the lookout for changes that go into effect this October 2025. These changes impact retirees, people with disabilities, survivors and those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Here are the main adjustments that could affect your monthly check.
Anticipated COLA increase for 2026
Although the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will be officially announced in October, many beneficiaries are already anticipating how much their payments will go up starting in January.
The COLA is calculated according to the consumer price index (CPI-W), and all indications are that the increase will be more moderate than in previous years, hovering around 2.5%.
This adjustment does not go into effect this month, but its announcement is key because it determines the amount you will receive in 2026.
Changes in the income limit for working with Social Security
Beneficiaries who have not yet reached full retirement age and who are working should be aware of the new income limit that goes into effect in October.
If they exceed that limit, Social Security may withhold a portion of their benefits.
For 2025, the provisional limit is $22,320 per year.
If you earn more than that, $1 will be deducted for every $2 over the cap.
This adjustment is reviewed annually, but in some cases it is effective as of October, especially if the beneficiary reports employment changes.
Increased digital access and online security
Social Security has also implemented improvements to its digital platform, including new security features to protect users’ identities.
Starting this month, all beneficiaries will have to activate two-step verification to access their online account.
In addition, tools have been added to consult work histories, pending payments and benefit updates in a clearer and faster way.
Adjustments to SSI payments
Some Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will see variations in their payments, especially those receiving other types of state or federal assistance.
This is due to an automatic income and benefit verification process that is applied every October.
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
Filed under: October Social Security Changes
