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I’m a retired Social Security Administration employee, with 35 years of serving the public. I retired as a “technical expert,” who worked as a mentor, trainer, and senior employee, assigned the most complex cases.
The Social Security Administration’s press release about the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill has language that’s unprecedented and is misleading regarding the elimination of taxation of Social Security benefits.
What it does do, for those 65 and older, is add $6,000 per taxpayer ($12,000 for a couple) as an added deduction to the standard deduction.
Here’s why many who receive SSA benefits will not benefit from this bill.
If you are not 65 and collecting Social Security, it does not help you.
If you are a disabled beneficiary, not 65, and your spouse works, and your taxable income is $32,000 or more (including half of your benefits), it does not help you.
If you are single, disabled, or retired, but not 65, and if your income (including half of your Social Security) is $25,000 or more, it does not help you.
If you are a widow/widower on Social Security, but not yet 65, it does not help you.
If you are a senior or a couple, who are 65 and only live on SSA benefits, it does not help you. You don’t file a tax return, so what good is a higher standard deduction?
Yes, there are those who file taxes, are over 65, and will benefit.
But, for millions of recipients, especially those on disability, retirement or survivor benefits and not 65, or a person, no matter your age, whose only income is Social Security, it does not help you.
And, it’s only for the years 2025 to 2028.
Jessica Linzer Simpson
Cape Elizabeth
