Social Security: It'll be harder to qualify for retirement benefits starting in 2025 — what to know

WASHINGTON - In 2025, it will become slightly harder to qualify for Social Security benefits in retirement amid a change set to take effect related to the value of a work "credit."

Americans must earn a certain amount of Social Security credits in their lifetime to become eligible for retirement benefits. Such credits are earned through working and paying Social Security taxes. 

The number of credits doesn’t affect the amount of monthly benefits one receives. Instead, it’s used to determine eligibility for retirement or disability benefits, Medicare, and a family’s eligibility for survivors' benefits, according to the Social Security Administration. 

Here’s what to know:

Social Security changes coming in 2025

It currently takes $1,730 in earnings to earn one work credit under the Social Security program. In 2025, that figure changes to $1,810. 

American workers can earn up to a maximum of four credits per year, and the amount of earnings needed to earn one credit increases slightly each year – tied to inflation and average wages.

For those who work full-time, the change "shouldn’t really affect you," according to financial services site the Motley Fool. It adds that even those earning the minimum wage for 40 hours a week over 50 working weeks have "more than enough income to secure your four work credits for 2025."

However, the website notes that it’s something to keep in mind for those who work part-time but are hoping to receive Social Security benefits in the future. 

Meanwhile, the Social Security Administration also announced earlier this month the cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for 2025. Recipients will receive a 2.5% increase in their monthly checks next year, which is smaller than increases in the previous two years and reflects moderating inflation. The AARP estimated that a 2.5% COLA would increase that by $48 a month.

The program is financed by payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers. The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes was $168,600 for 2024. In 2025, the maximum amount will go up to $176,100.

Some Social Security recipients will get 2 payments in November 

In the meantime, some Social Security beneficiaries will receive an additional check in November 2024 due to how the payment schedule is lined up in the last two months of the year.

Those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is monthly payments for people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources, typically get paid on the 1st of the month.

However, if the date falls on a weekend or holiday – as is the case for Sunday, Dec. 1 – the administration pays ahead of schedule. 

In this case, SSI recipients will receive their December payment on Friday, Nov. 29.