In a major update for millions of Americans, the U.S. government has confirmed changes related to retirement age and Social Security benefits. If you’re planning to retire soon or are already collecting benefits, here’s everything you need to know about the new retirement rules, how they affect your payment schedule in 2025, and what steps you should take right now.
What Are the New Retirement Age Rules?
The retirement age for full Social Security benefits continues to change based on your birth year, as part of a phased adjustment first introduced in 1983. In 2025, Americans born between May 2, 1958, and February 28, 1959, will reach their Full Retirement Age (FRA) of 66 years and 10 months.
For those born in 1960 or later, the FRA is 67. This is the maximum age required to receive full Social Security benefits without any deductions.
If you start collecting benefits at age 62, you can still receive Social Security payments—but with a permanent reduction of up to 30 percent in monthly payouts. On the other hand, delaying benefits until age 70 can earn you delayed retirement credits, increasing your monthly benefits by up to 8 percent per year.
Social Security Payment Dates in June 2025
If you’re currently receiving Social Security or about to start, it’s crucial to know when you’ll get paid. Here’s how the June 2025 payment schedule is structured:
For Beneficiaries Receiving Social Security ONLY:
- June 12: Payment for those born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- June 18: Payment for those born between the 11th and 20th
- June 25: Payment for those born between the 21st and 31st
For Beneficiaries Who Receive Both SSI and Social Security:
- June 3: Fixed payment date for those who began receiving benefits before May 1997
Early SSI Payment:
Because June 1, 2025, falls on a Sunday, SSI payments for June will be issued early on May 30, 2025.
Key Policy Changes to Watch in 2025
Student Loan Garnishment Returns
Social Security beneficiaries with defaulted federal student loans may have their benefits garnished. The maximum allowed is 15 percent of monthly benefits, but payments cannot fall below $750 per month. This can impact low-income retirees with outstanding education debt.
In-Person Identity Verification
Starting April 14, 2025, anyone applying for retirement, survivors, or family benefits must verify their identity in person if applying offline. However, this rule does not apply to those applying for Medicare, SSI, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Potential Delays Due to SSA Backlogs
According to recent reports, application processing times may be slower due to staffing shortages at the SSA. However, current beneficiaries should not see delays in their monthly payments.
How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits
Even with the new rules, there are smart ways to increase your lifetime benefits:
Wait Longer to Claim
Every year you delay claiming after FRA adds about 8 percent more to your monthly payment (until age 70).
Work More Years
Social Security is based on your 35 highest-earning years. Working longer can increase your average earnings.
Avoid Earning Caps
In 2025, the maximum taxable earnings limit for Social Security is $176,100. The more you earn up to this cap, the higher your benefits.
CONCLIUSON
If you’re nearing retirement age, it’s more important than ever to understand your options. Even a year’s difference in claiming benefits can significantly affect how much you receive monthly for the rest of your life.
Create a “my Social Security” account to track your earnings, estimate benefits, and review your retirement options directly through the official portal:
