Q1 Recap: A Strong Start Under New Ownership
As we wrap up the first quarter of 2025, we’re excited to share the momentum and milestones achieved since the transition to the new ownership group of National Social Security Advisors (NSSA®). Our team—led by Travis Stanley, Mike Mason, Jason Stanley, and Mike Wells—has hit the ground running with a mission to modernize the NSSA® experience while staying true to its legacy of excellence in Social Security education established by Jim Blair and Marc Kiner.
What’s New So Far in 2025
New Website & Member Portal Launch
We launched www.nssapros.com, a modern, user-friendly site featuring enhanced content, streamlined course access, a searchable member directory, and a member resource hub.
Member Directory Update
As many of you are aware, we experienced a technical glitch with the hosting of your profile images on the website. We’re happy to announce that this has been fixed! If you have already completed your member directory listing you will need to re-upload your headshot. Make sure you use the same email that you use with your NSSA® account. You can do that here:
https://www.nssapros.com/profile-image
Once you update your headshot it may take up to 15 minutes for the change to take effect. You may note that your city and state doesn’t show up on your profile, don’t worry, we are working on fixing that as well!
With over 14K visitors to the site in Q1 you are missing out If you have not yet created your member profile! Your profile will include an optimized biography and lead generation features including a custom form that sends new business to your inbox. To complete your member directory listing simply log into the website and click on the red button at the top of the page that reads “Update Your Directory Listing”.
Updated Training Experience
The NSSA® Certification Course was refreshed with new motion-graphic content, expert instruction, updated regulation coverage, and interactive quizzes for all 6 modules. Members can retrain for an exlusive 50% discount.
Member Engagement & Communication
We have merged the Open Forum and Social Security Updates calls into one information-packed session, the NSSA® Monthly Member Meeting. The next one is next Wednesday, April 2nd at 2PM EST, so if you have not registered make sure you do so now! This will register you for the rest of the year.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtcOqopj4uG9KmQF5jzhQqXxNzs8SFgiUJ
New Member Resources
We’ve been hard at work creating resources to help you deliver value to your current clients and gain new ones. In the first quarter of this year we have published the following resources:
- Advisor Presentation Deck is an exclusive PowerPoint download designed to help you communicate complex Social Security concepts with clarity and impact.
- 20 Risks to Retirement outlines 20 key risks retirees face beyond market volatility, helping you guide clients through critical financial and lifestyle decisions.
- Reduction Factor Tables Retirement, Spousal & Ex-Spousal, and Survivor tables help advisors estimate survivor benefits based on the claimant’s birthdate and chosen claiming age.
If you have not taken advantage of these resources log into the website and view your library page under your account. You will have access to the resources listed above and more!
The State of Social Security
The first three months of 2025 have seen considerable activity in the Social Security sector. Here’s a review of what has been happening so far.
Social Security Staffing Changes & Office Consolidation
Q1 of 2025 has brought noticeable changes to the structure and staffing of the Social Security Administration (SSA). Following the retirement of several high-ranking officials, including former Deputy Commissioner for Operations Grace Kim, the SSA has announced a leadership reshuffling aimed at modernizing the agency and streamlining decision-making. Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi continues to lead in a transitional role as discussions around a permanent replacement remain ongoing. These leadership changes may signal a shift in how SSA delivers services and interacts with the public.
Meanwhile, staffing shortages persist at the field office level. The SSA has quietly begun consolidating smaller offices and redirecting traffic to regional hubs, often without much advance notice. This has led to longer wait times for in-person services and greater reliance on online tools—an important trend for advisors to be aware of when helping clients navigate claims, appeals, and benefit estimates.
NSSA® advisors should continue encouraging clients to use their My Social Security accounts and be proactive with documentation. As service delivery becomes more centralized and automated, delays and human error may increase. Being well-prepared before initiating any client action with the SSA is more critical than ever.
Client question you may be asked:
“I heard Social Security offices are closing and that it’s hard to get help—should I be worried?”
Suggested Response:
“You’re right—some local SSA offices are consolidating due to staffing shortages, which is creating longer wait times in some areas. However, many services are still available online through your My Social Security account. I’m happy to guide you through anything complicated, and I recommend we plan ahead if you need to file or appeal anything.”
Social Security Privacy Concerns and the DOGE Investigation
In a headline-grabbing development, a federal court intervened in March to stop the SSA from sharing sensitive data with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a controversial task force led by Elon Musk. It was revealed that DOGE investigators had been granted access to the Numident database, which includes Social Security numbers, earnings records, and even personal medical history dating back decades.
This raised significant alarms about data privacy and the chain of custody for sensitive client information. While no known client harm has been reported, the breach has shaken public confidence and opened new debates about how SSA data is handled, audited, and protected.
As trusted advisors, it’s critical to proactively reassure clients that their benefits and eligibility are not impacted by this event. It’s also an excellent time to review your own firm’s data security protocols—especially how you handle SSNs, benefit estimates, and communication. Clients are counting on you to be not just knowledgeable—but secure.
Client question you may be asked:
“Is it true that Elon Musk’s team accessed private Social Security records? Should I be concerned?”
Suggested Response:
“There was a court case involving a task force that accessed SSA data without proper oversight. While concerning, it’s important to note that your eligibility and benefit payments aren’t affected. That said, it’s always smart to keep your My SSA account secure, and I take every precaution to safeguard your data on my end as well.”
WEP/GPO Legislative Movement in 2025
On January 5, 2025, President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, officially repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). This historic legislation ends decades-long benefit reductions for retirees who earned a pension from non-covered employment, including many teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other public servants.
The repeal means that those affected will now receive their full Social Security benefits without the previous offsets. NSSA® professionals should be aware that updated benefit calculations may take time to process, and clients affected by WEP or GPO should check their My SSA account or reach out for assistance with updated estimates.
Client question you may be asked:
“I heard something about the WEP and GPO being repealed—is that true? Will it change my benefits?”
Suggested Response:
“Yes, on January 5, 2025, the President signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, which officially repealed both WEP and GPO. This means that if you were affected by either of these provisions—like many teachers, police officers, and public employees—you’ll now receive your full Social Security benefits. If you think this applies to you, I can help you review your new benefit estimate and understand what changes you can expect.”
Other Key Developments in Q1 2025
The year began with a 3.2% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), offering modest relief for beneficiaries amid persistent inflation concerns. However, with Medicare Part B premiums also rising, the net benefit increase was marginal for many clients. Advisors should be mindful of the impact COLA and Medicare deductions have on cash flow planning, especially for lower-income retirees.
On the administrative front, the SSA has increased its use of AI-powered decision tools, particularly in disability determinations. While not yet widespread in retirement benefits, this signals a broader trend toward automation, which may change how reconsiderations and appeals are handled in the near future.
Finally, there has been renewed focus on solvency solutions from both parties. Several new proposals—ranging from increasing the payroll tax cap to adjusting the benefit formula—have been floated. While no action is imminent, NSSA® advisors should be prepared for client questions about the future of Social Security and continue emphasizing the importance of personal retirement income planning regardless of what Congress does.
Client question you may be asked:
“Social Security gave a COLA this year, but it doesn’t feel like I’m getting more money—what gives?”
Suggested Response:
“You received a 3.2% increase, but Medicare Part B premiums also went up, which offsets that gain for many people. It’s one of the reasons we look at your full retirement income picture, not just the benefit amount. I can walk you through how it affects your net income this year.”
Client question you may be asked:
“Is Social Security going bankrupt? Will it even be around when I retire?”
Suggested Response:
“Social Security isn’t going bankrupt, but it will need adjustments to stay fully funded past the early 2030s. Congress has several options, and most proposals would impact future beneficiaries gradually, not eliminate the program. That’s why planning matters—my role is to help you maximize what you’re entitled to and ensure you’re not solely reliant on benefits.”
Looking Ahead
We’ll continue our momentum into the second quarter of 2025 with a number of exciting initiatives.
Coming Soon: Expanded Medicare Curriculum
Social Security and Medicare go hand-in-hand, and staying informed on both is essential for today’s advisors. In Q2, we’re expanding our curriculum to include enhanced Medicare training content, designed to give you deeper insights into Parts A, B, C, and D, enrollment timelines, coordination with other coverage, and how Medicare impacts Social Security planning.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your own knowledge or support clients navigating complex healthcare decisions, this expanded curriculum will become an indispensable part of your NSSA® toolbox.
Strength in Numbers: Introducing the NSSA® Member Community
We’re excited to roll out an exclusive NSSA® Member Community—a private space where certified professionals can connect, collaborate, and grow.
Ask questions, share client case studies, trade insights, and stay up to date with real-time discussions on Social Security strategy, rule changes, and advisor best practices. You’ll be able to engage with fellow members, learn from Social Security experts, and build meaningful relationships that strengthen your practice.
Whether you’re a seasoned advisor or newly certified, this member-powered community is designed to keep you connected and supported year-round.
AI Innovation: Meet SOJIM 2.0
We’re building something truly groundbreaking—an AI-powered Social Security Knowledge Engine trained on the most authoritative sources available: the POMS (Program Operations Manual System), the SSA Handbook, CFRs (Code of Federal Regulations), and Social Security Rulings.
This exclusive new tool—SOJIM 2.0—will be available only to NSSA® members and accessible through your member portal. You’ll be able to ask it questions in plain English and receive fast, accurate answers based on its deep understanding of the Social Security system—helping you better serve your clients and stay ahead of regulatory complexity.
Due to the R&D costs associated with developing this advanced model, SOJIM will require a monthly subscription to access. This subscription will apply to all members, including lifetime certification holders. Pricing is still being finalized, and we expect to launch SOJIM in Q3 of this year.
Stay tuned—SOJIM 2.0 is coming soon, and it’s going to change the way Social Security expertise is delivered.
Conclusion: Your NSSA® Membership in Motion
As Q1 comes to a close, the energy and direction under NSSA’s new leadership have been unmistakable. From modernizing the training experience and launching new member resources to tackling the most important issues in Social Security policy, we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished—and even more excited about what’s ahead.
In Q2, you’ll see even more tools, training, and community engagement designed to help you grow your practice, deepen your expertise, and confidently guide your clients through an ever-changing retirement landscape.
We remain committed to empowering NSSA® members with cutting-edge solutions, timely insights, and unwavering support. Thank you for being part of the nation’s most trusted network of Social Security advisors.
Here’s to another quarter of excellence, innovation, and impact.
Travis Stanley
President
National Social Security Advisors
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