3. Maximum taxable earnings are going up
As you already know, the maximum earnings subject to Social Security taxes was $168,600 in 2024. This means that workers contributing to the system are taxed on wages up to this amount, usually at a rate of 6.2%.
However, Social Security in 2025 comes with a few changes. In this case, the maximum earnings will increase to $176,100, which means that more of a worker’s income will be subject to the tax. According to experts, this change was caused by an increase in average wages in America.
4. What about the average benefit for spouses and disabled workers?
Social Security in 2025 can come with many changes, but staying up-to-date can help you efficiently plan for what’s coming next. Speaking of that, experts say the average benefit will increase across the board in 2025. That includes benefits for different categories of people, such as disabled, widows, and widowers. Here’s a closer look:
- when it comes to widowers and widows who live alone, their benefits will go from $1,788 to $1,832 in 2025;
- according to the SSA, the average widowed mother with two children will see an increase from $3,669 to $3,761;
- as for disabled workers with a spouse and one or more children, their average benefit will increase from $2,757 to $2,826.
However, keep in mind that there are only averages, and individual situations can be different, depending on certain factors, such as your retirement age and annual income.
