Hey there—have you heard that a lot more people are suddenly signing up for Social Security retirement benefits this spring? It’s caught experts by surprise. Let me break it down for you, piece by piece, because it’s a big deal.
Springtime spike in claims
Usually, Social Security retirement claims follow a seasonal pattern — a few ups and downs depending on the time of year — and gradually increase as more Baby Boomers hit retirement age. But this year? There was an unexpected surge.
- Between January and May 2025, retirement claims shot up nearly 18% compared to the same time last year.
- Jack Smalligan, a senior policy fellow at the Urban Institute, says that’s not typical—and alarming. Why? Because financially, most people are better off waiting to claim.
Why timing matters
Here’s something many folks don’t realize:
- The longer you wait (up to age 70), the higher your monthly benefit.
- If you claim at 62, your payout is reduced permanently.
- Benefits grow about 8% for every year you delay past full retirement age.
What’s causing the surge?
The Social Security Administration pointed to three big reasons:
- The baby boomer peak – A large group is naturally reaching retirement age.
- A Pension rule change – Some folks with pensions now qualify for bigger Social Security checks.
- Spousal refiling – People who once claimed spousal benefits are now switching to their record for more money.
Read more on social security later: Here’s why Social Security checks could spike in 2026 – and why COLA could be much higher than expected for millions of Americans
Fear is driving decisions
A lot of people in their 60s are nervous about what’s coming next. The November 2024 election and talk of changes to federal programs are stirring fear.
- “We better get it while we can,” said Bill Armstrong, a 62-year-old in Colorado. After facing cancer, job loss, and a shaky job market, he claimed early. He worries the retirement age could rise.
- Karen Mccahey, 66, from suburban Chicago, was planning to wait until 70. But political fears and health concerns changed her mind: “I’ll just put it in the bank.”
Even high earners — who can usually afford to wait — are jumping in early, which is telling. Experts think that means the surge isn’t just about money. It’s about uncertainty.
A decision that lasts a lifetime
Claiming early might give you peace of mind now, but it affects your entire future:
- You get less money every month for life.
- That choice is especially critical for women, who live longer on average.
But if you regret your decision, there’s a silver lining:
You can undo it once within 12 months. You’ll have to repay what you received, but then you can reapply later for a bigger benefit.
What the experts say
- Jack Smalligan warns against acting out of fear: any changes to Social Security would come with years of advance notice.
- Kathleen Romig, a Social Security expert, says the program isn’t going anywhere: “It’s the law. It would take Congress to change it—and that’s unlikely.”
Bottom line? Yes, Social Security faces long-term funding questions. But don’t rush into claiming unless you need to. For most people, waiting pays off—literally.
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