There are millions of Americans who rely on Social Security as their primary source of income during their retirement years. In 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reversed course on several key filing rules:
Filing Made Easier: Telephone Claims Now Expanded and Rollback of In-Person Requirements
As of April 14, 2025, SSA now allows individuals to complete all claim types via telephone, supported by new anti-fraud capabilities designed to protect beneficiaries and streamline the customer experience.
In the past, the SSA required beneficiaries to visit a field office to verify their identities if they were not able to do so, online. This became a major problem because it posed mobility issues for the elder population.
The SSA then made changes and implemented advanced technologies to detect any suspicious activity in telephone claims, by analysing patterns and anomalies within a person’s account. Only if any problems were identified, then the individual will be asked to visit a field office for identity verification in person. These changes allow SSA to maintain the safety and security of its services while striving to provide access for customers who may be unable to file online or visit an office in person
Changes to Overpayment Recovery
The SSA also introduced a revised overpayment recovering method, in the past, 100% of benefits were withheld. Now the SSA will only withhold 50% of benefits until the overpayment is repaid. This allows for beneficiaries to manage their expenses as they still have a portion of their checks.
Common Social Security Mistakes to Avoid
Even with these new rules, retirees still need to be careful. Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Claiming too early – Be mindful of the age that you claim benefits. If you claim benefits at the age of 62, you benefits are permanently reduced. However, waiting until full retirement age (FRA) or even age 70 will ensure that you receive the maximum benefits
- Misunderstanding FRA – It’s important for beneficiaries to understand their FRA, this is dependent on their birth year. Always verify your FRA on SSA.gov.
- Ignoring spousal and survivor benefits – If you meet a certain age and other conditions, you may be eligible for spousal or survivor benefits if you have been married for at least a year, divorced after at least ten years, or widowed.
- Claiming benefits while working – You may be subjected to an earnings test if you claim benefits before reaching FRA and continue working.
- Overlooking errors in your earnings history – Remember, your Social Security benefits are based on your highest 35 years of earnings. The years that you don’t work will show as $0. It is important to report this information accurately as it will impact your benefits.
- Failing to plan for taxes – Depending on your income, up to 85% of Social Security benefits could be taxable. Be sure to plan ahead when it comes to your retirement.
- Relying solely on Social Security – The common mistake that people make is relying completely on Social Security. It is important to note that Social Security only replaces approximately 40% of your income. It is important to have other forms of investments or savings.
Making the Most of Social Security
As everything is evolving and changing, the SSA is also improving on their operations and services. The goal is to make things convenient and efficient for beneficiaries who rely on Social Security.
It is important for retirees to be aware of the changes and use that information to plan ahead. The goal is a peaceful retirement. Retirees should utilise the information to maximize their Social Security benefits. Be sure to consult with a professional if you require financial advice.