If your Social Security deposit was smaller than expected this month, you're probably anxious to find out why. The good news: there's usually a clear explanation, and it's often fixable. Here's a quick breakdown of the most likely reasons and what you can do about each one.
Quick Checklist: Most Common Reasons
Before diving into details, here are the top reasons your check might be smaller:
- ✓ Medicare Part B premium increase
- ✓ SSA is recovering an overpayment
- ✓ Your income or living situation changed (SSI)
- ✓ IRMAA surcharge (high-income adjustment)
- ✓ Federal tax withholding
- ✓ Earnings exceeded the limit (working while receiving benefits)
- ✓ Garnishment for debts
- ✓ Clerical error
Reason #1: Medicare Premium Increase
This is the most common cause of reduced Social Security checks, especially at the start of a new year.
The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185 per month—an increase of $10.30 from 2024. If this premium is deducted from your Social Security payment, your net deposit will be lower even if you received a COLA increase.
How to check: Look at your Medicare summary notice or log into Medicare.gov to see your current premium.
What you can do: If you have limited income, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program that pays part or all of your premiums. Contact your state Medicaid office to apply.
Reason #2: Overpayment Recovery
If SSA believes you received benefits you weren't entitled to, they may be withholding part of your check to recover that overpayment.
Signs this is happening:
- You should have received a notice explaining the overpayment amount and repayment schedule
- The deduction started suddenly without any other changes
- You experienced a change (like income or living situation) that you may not have reported
As of 2025, SSA limits recovery to 10-50% of your benefit—not 100%. If the withholding is causing hardship, you can request a lower recovery rate.
What you can do:
- If you disagree with the overpayment, file an appeal within 60 days
- If repaying causes hardship, request a waiver
- Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your options
Reason #3: Income or Resource Changes (SSI Recipients)
If you receive SSI, your payment is calculated based on your income and resources each month.
Common triggers for reduced payments:
- Started working or increased hours
- Received a gift, inheritance, or one-time payment
- Spouse's income changed
- Moved in with someone who provides food or shelter
- Bank account exceeded $2,000 ($3,000 for couples)
What you can do: Review your recent income and report any changes to SSA. If your situation has changed again (like you stopped working), report that too so your payment can be adjusted.
Reason #4: IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)
If your income exceeded certain thresholds two years ago, you may be paying higher Medicare Part B and Part D premiums through IRMAA surcharges.
2025 IRMAA triggers: If your 2023 tax return showed modified adjusted gross income above $106,000 (individual) or $212,000 (married filing jointly), you'll pay extra.
Why this might surprise you: IRMAA is based on income from two years ago. So selling a home, taking large retirement distributions, or having a one-time capital gain in 2023 could affect your 2025 premiums.
What you can do: If your income dropped due to retirement, divorce, death of a spouse, or other life-changing events, file Form SSA-44 to request an IRMAA reconsideration.
Reason #5: Federal Tax Withholding
You may have requested federal income tax to be withheld from your Social Security payments—or the withholding amount may have changed.
What you can do: Log into your my Social Security account to see if voluntary tax withholding is being taken. You can adjust or remove withholding if you prefer to pay taxes a different way.
Reason #6: Working While Collecting Retirement Benefits Early
If you're receiving Social Security retirement benefits before your full retirement age (FRA) and still working, your benefits may be temporarily reduced:
- Under FRA all year (2025): $1 withheld for every $2 earned over $24,480
- Year you reach FRA (2025): $1 withheld for every $3 earned over $65,160
Good news: These withheld amounts aren't lost. Once you reach FRA, your benefit is recalculated to credit back the withheld amounts.
Reason #7: Garnishment
Certain debts can result in garnishment of your SSDI or retirement benefits:
- Federal student loans
- Unpaid federal taxes
- Alimony or child support
Note: SSI cannot be garnished for most debts.
What you can do: Contact SSA to find out which agency requested the garnishment, then work directly with that agency to address the underlying debt.
Reason #8: Error
Sometimes SSA makes mistakes. If none of the above reasons apply and you haven't received any notices, an error is possible.
What you can do:
- Check your my Social Security account for any notices or messages
- Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about changes to your record
- Visit your local Social Security office for complex issues
How to Find Out What Changed
Step 1: Check your mail and your my Social Security Message Center for notices
Step 2: Log into ssa.gov/myaccount and review your benefit details
Step 3: Compare your current payment to previous months—look for any deductions listed
Step 4: Call 1-800-772-1213 if you can't find an explanation
Never Miss a Change Again
Purple sends instant alerts when your Social Security deposit arrives and helps you compare month-to-month amounts at a glance. If your payment changes, you'll know immediately—and you can access resources to help you understand why.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. For specific questions about your benefits, contact the Social Security Administration directly.