The Social Security Administration is on track to see over 4 million online retirement claims in 2025 — an increase of over 525,000, or 15%, from fiscal 2024.
Claims for Social Security were up by 276,000 from October to April 2025. This dramatic uptick comes amid a growing trend of retirees opting to claim Social Security benefits earlier than the full retirement age, potentially reducing their long-term monthly income.
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In fiscal year 2024 alone, the SSA processed 3.4 million retirement claims. Individual filings are up 13% year-over-year, a substantial increase that experts are watching closely.
An explanation for the increase in claims can partly be found as the baby boomer population, roughly 76 million in population, are seeking out their retirement benefits.
However, population shifts aren’t the only driver. Recent policy changes and administrative updates at the SSA are also having a noticeable impact, particularly among older retirees. An SSA analysis conducted in late April revealed that during the first half of the current fiscal year, there was a marked increase in claims from higher-income individuals and those aged 71 and older.
Two SSA initiatives appear to be behind this trend. The first is a change in how the SSA notifies beneficiaries’ spouses, alerting them when they are eligible for higher benefits based on their own work record. This change alone accounted for roughly 50,000 additional claims among individuals aged 71 and above.
The second change is the phased implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act. This act increases retirement benefits for workers who previously held jobs not covered by Social Security and received separate pension income. While this change has prompted more claims among older beneficiaries, SSA actuaries say it is not a major driver of increased claims among those aged 62 to 70.
Meanwhile, Social Security payments themselves are rising. In June, the average Social Security check is expected to top $2,000 for the first time in history. While this milestone reflects cost-of-living adjustments and inflation, it may encourage more people to claim benefits sooner.
The uptick in claims comes as the Department of Government Efficiency has implemented staffing cuts and office closures at the Social Security Administration, leading to uncertainty and confusion for beneficiaries.