Q3 Recap: News, Resources, and Progress
As we wrap up the third quarter of 2025, Social Security has been at the forefront of national attention. From the upcoming end of paper checks and new legislation easing taxes on benefits, to projections of a modest 2026 COLA and concerns over rising Medicare costs, the landscape continues to shift in ways that matter to your clients. At NSSA®, we’re keeping you equipped with the tools, updates, and resources you need to navigate these changes. Whether you’ve joined a Monthly Member Meeting, refreshed your skills with our updated curriculum, or engaged with our expanding library of member resources—you’ve played a vital role in shaping the evolving NSSA® experience.
Latest Social Security News
Social Security Solvency Update
Published September 26, 2025
The latest Trustees Report projects the trust funds will be depleted in 2034—a year earlier than last year’s estimate. But here’s the truth: Social Security isn’t going away. Even without reform, about 81% of benefits would still be paid.
Advisors should use this moment to reinforce long-term planning, not panic. Reforms are inevitable, and early preparation makes retirement strategies more resilient.
A full blog post with planning implications is now available:
Paper Checks to End September 30
Investopedia, Sept 2025
SSA will stop issuing paper checks after September 30. Beneficiaries must switch to direct deposit or Direct Express. Advisors should ensure clients transition smoothly to avoid missed payments.
Read more
COLA Projection Points to Modest 2.7% Bump
Barron’s, Aug 2025
Estimates for the 2026 COLA hover around 2.7%. While benefits will rise, higher Medicare premiums could erode the gain. Advisors should prepare clients for limited net increases.
Read more
Medicare Premiums to Jump Double Digits
Kiplinger, Aug 2025
Medicare Part B premiums are projected to climb 11–12% in 2026. Advisors should factor higher health care costs into retirement income plans.
Read more
SSA Defends Against Data Breach Allegations
MarketWatch, Aug 2025
A whistleblower alleged SSA data was stored in an insecure cloud. SSA denied any breach after internal review. Advisors should remind clients about ongoing fraud prevention best practices.
Read more
Trust Fund Depletion Still Set for 2034
AP News, July 2025
The trustees report reaffirmed depletion dates for Social Security trust funds in 2034. Advisors should frame this as a long-term policy issue, not an immediate risk to current retirees.
Read more
Tax Relief Expands for Beneficiaries
SSA Blog, July 2025
New legislation reduces or eliminates federal tax liability on benefits for most seniors. Advisors should review tax planning opportunities created by this shift.
Read more
New This Quarter
NSSA® Acquires IRMAA Certified Planner™
We’re excited to share big news: NSSA® has officially acquired the IRMAA Certified Planner™ (IRMAA CP) designation program. This addition expands our mission to provide financial professionals with the most practical, comprehensive retirement income education available—covering both Social Security and Medicare’s IRMAA costs.
Both designations will continue to be offered independently, and members will now have the opportunity to pursue either or both credentials under the NSSA® platform. This combination strengthens our curriculum, broadens our resources, and positions our advisors as leaders in retirement income planning.
Read the Full Release Here
Have questions? Check out our FAQ page on the merger
Monthly Member Meeting Growth
On this month’s call we will be updating you on our merger with IRMAA, what it means for you, and answering any questions you may have. We will also be covering recent Social Security developments and address any unique situations you have questions about.
Join us for our member meeting on October 1st to learn more about this exciting development! Add the meeting to your calendar!
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Member Community is Thriving
The NSSA® Member Community is now available in your member portal! This exclusive, private space gives you access to:
- Real-time Q&A with NSSA® experts and peers
- Client case discussions
- Practical application threads
- Updates on regulatory and legislative developments
To join, log into your account and click “Engage Now” next to NSSA® Insiders in your member library.
New Tools & Downloads
NEW: NSSA® Logo Kit
Make the most of your designation by incorporating official NSSA® branding into your website, presentations, and marketing materials.
Your logo kit includes:
- Web and print-ready logos
- A digital badge embed code
- Brand-safe usage guidelines
Download it now in your Member Library.
Embed code for your website (Share with your website administrator):
<a href="https://www.nssapros.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
<img src="https://bit.ly/4jKsKIQ" alt="NSSA® Certified Advisor Badge" style="width:200px; height:auto; border:0;" />
<p style="font-size:14px; margin-top:5px; text-align:center;">Social Security Trained</p>
</a>
Promote Your Certification on LinkedIn
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To your profile: Log in to Credly, select your badge → Share → LinkedIn → "Add to Profile"
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To your feed: Use a caption like:
Proud to be an NSSA® Certified Advisor! Staying up to date on Social Security rules helps me serve my clients with confidence. #NSSA #RetirementPlanning
Update Your Directory Listing
Over 500 NSSA® certificate holders have already published their advisor profiles—and with the NSSA® site on track to exceed 100,000 visitors this year, your visibility matters.
Your listing includes:
- Headshot
- Bio, location, & disclaimer
- Direct inquiry form and contact information
To get listed:
- Log in at nssapros.com/login
- Click “Update Your Directory Listing”
- Complete your information and upload your photo
Looking Ahead
Coming Soon: IRMAA Training and Designation
We’re excited to announce that work is already underway on an updated IRMAA Certified Planner™ (IRMAACP™) curriculum. This refreshed course will launch in Q4 2025 and will provide the same practical, real-world approach you expect from NSSA®.
The expanded program will cover:
- In-depth strategies for navigating Medicare’s Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
- Case studies that bring complex planning scenarios to life
- Compliance-focused guidance to help you stay aligned with regulations
- Tools and resources designed to apply directly in your client conversations
As part of your membership, you’ll receive exclusive discounted access to this new training and the opportunity to earn the IRMAA CP™ designation. Together with your NSSA® certification, this dual credential demonstrates comprehensive expertise in the two most critical areas of retirement income planning—Social Security and Medicare.
This launch represents the next evolution of the NSSA® experience, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Stay tuned for registration details and early-access opportunities in the weeks ahead.
Final Word
This quarter has been one of progress, change, and opportunity. From the Trustees Report and policy headlines to our own exciting acquisition of the IRMAA Certified Planner™ program, retirement income planning has never been more dynamic—or more important. At NSSA®, our mission is to keep you informed, supported, and equipped to lead in this evolving landscape.
As we head into Q4, look for the launch of our updated IRMAA training, continued enhancements to our member resources, and new opportunities to grow your practice. Thank you for being part of this community and for the work you do every day to serve clients with confidence. Together, we’re shaping the future of retirement income planning.
Travis Stanley
President
National Social Security Advisors
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