The reason Social Security benefits are eligible for an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) each year is that without an inflation-based boost, seniors would be guaranteed to lose buying power from one year to the next.

As 2024 draws to a close, we look at the changes Social Security beneficiaries and Medicare members will face in the new year and how to navigate them.

Though President-elect Donald Trump has often promised to protect Social Security, he has not explained exactly how he would save the beloved – but financially troubled – entitlement program. Nor did he take any meaningful steps to shore up Social Security during his first term in the White House.

Despite knowing that they're giving up higher income, many pre-retirees plan to claim Social Security benefits before full retirement age.

Because of this, you may have accidentally glossed over some of the changes that were announced for Social Security in 2025. But here are three you need to know about, whether you