Anyone who has been collecting Social Security benefits for a few years knows that the 2025 COLA is smaller than what they have grown accustomed to receiving. The 2.5% increase is well below the 3.2% bump received last year and only a fraction of the 2023 COLA of 8.7%. However, this isn't the big problem.

In 2024, the life expectancy for someone born in 1959 was 74 for men and 80.1 for women, according to a Social Security report. The report predicts continuing increases in life expectancy, which translates into even more years that beneficiaries will receive Social Security checks.

You can, however, choose to claim as early as 62. If you do so, however, you'll be penalized. Each month before your FRA incurs a penalty of 5/9 of 1% (for the first 36 months prior to turning 67) and 5/12 of 1% (for the next 24 months). All told, you could lose as much as 30% of your intended PIA.

Fact checked by Giselle Cancio If you're a qualified American, you're entitled to receive your hard-earned Social Security benefits in retirement. However, you may find yourself in a situation where your Social Security benefits are smaller than expected because you've earned too much money while receiving early retirement benefits.

One of the most critical decisions is when to start receiving Social Security benefits. Social Security is a primary source of retirement income for many Americans, so it makes sense to think about all the possible ways to maximize benefits.