October 2025 Edition

Hi there! No tricks here. Just a few timely Social Security treats. As we wrap up October, we unwrap the latest updates (including COLA) and insights you won’t want to miss. Enjoy October’s Roundup!

NARSSA’s Martha Shedden is quoted in Kiplinger, weighing in on the 2026 Social Security COLA.

Ford Stokes, RSSA^® is featured in U.S. News & World Report, sharing insights on how annual COLA adjustments are determined and why they may not always keep up with the true cost of living for retirees.

Martha Shedden contributes an article to Bottom Line Inc. explaining how children can qualify for Social Security benefits.

Martha Shedden says Gen Z’s fears about Social Security ending are unfounded. Benefits may shrink, but the program will remain.

Exclusive Webinar Series
We’re excited to launch a new webinar series just for RSSAs in the Local PR Program! The first session on November 13 will cover marketing and sales strategies to help you better manage and conduct in-person and virtual events that attract new clients.

Join the Local PR Program to get your exclusive invite. Participation is limited to current RSSA^® professionals in good standing.

Improved Final Exam Experience
We’re proud to share that along with our redesigned RSSA^® E-Learning Program, we’ve also rolled out a smoother, more reliable final exam experience. The new system, powered by OctoProctor, makes testing easier, faster, and more user-friendly—so you can focus on showing what you know, not troubleshooting tech.

If you haven’t checked out the new course yet, you can access it through your Member Center.

My husband is 77 and 14 years older than me. He started collecting his Social Security benefits at 62. I am 63.5. Would it be more beneficial to collect my Social Security now so our household has 2 Social Security checks? How would this affect my survivor’s benefits? He earned more than me.

Deciding when to start collecting your Social Security benefits is an important decision that depends on your individual circumstances. If you choose to start receiving benefits at your current age of 63.5, your benefits will be reduced because you are claiming them before your full retirement age (FRA). However, this would indeed increase your household income now with two Social Security checks.

Regarding survivor benefits, if you are receiving your own retirement benefits and your husband passes away, you could be eligible for survivor benefits based on his earnings record. The amount you would receive as a survivor benefit is the higher of your benefit or his, but not both. If his benefit is higher, you would receive an amount that steps up to his benefit level.

It’s important to consider your long-term financial needs and…

What is the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)?
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% COLA for 2026, reflecting inflation measured by the CPI-W. This increase will take effect in January 2026 for most beneficiaries.

How will this affect benefits?
The average retired worker’s benefit will rise from $2,015 to $2,071 per month, while the maximum benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age increases from $4,018 to $4,152 per month.

Are there other key changes for 2026?
Yes. Alongside the COLA, SSA announced several annual adjustments:

Maximum taxable earnings: $184,500 (up from $176,100)

Earnings required for one quarter of coverage: $1,890 (up from $1,810)

Why does Social Security have a COLA?
The COLA helps benefits keep pace with inflation. Each year, SSA compares third-quarter CPI-W data to the prior year to determine if benefits should rise to maintain purchasing power.

When will beneficiaries see the increase?
The higher payments will begin in January 2026. However, SSI recipients will see the increase beginning with the December 31, 2025 payment.

Mark Cunningham, RSSA^® is featured in U.S. News & World Report, weighing in on the future of Social Security and how individuals can plan responsibly amid uncertainty about long-term program funding.

Caroline Raker, RSSA^®, is featured in Newsweek where she helps raise awareness about a new scam targeting Social Security beneficiaries.

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Disclaimer: The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts, Ltd. has no affiliation with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. The Social Security information provided in this email and on the website does not and is not intended to constitute financial advice. All information, content, and materials available in this email and on this site are for general informational purposes only.