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, possibly reducing their long-term monthly income.

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