Social Security's COLA will be 2.5% in 2025, down from 3.2% in 2024

[DFW]

21. I agree on both counts, even though it wouldn't affect me

The Germans will still take 50% of my SS benefits whether the US would or not.

And I agree that the cap should be raised, although I doubt it would compensate for the benefits not being taxed. The higher the cap goes, the less people will be paying the higher tax (there are a lot less people earning $750,000 than there are earning $200,000).

I did the math on my approximate change (3.2% vs. 2.5%), and the COLA lowering will affect me to the tune of $15.92 a month after German taxes, minus any increase in the taxes paid in Stateside (I still work full time).

The whole question deserves more intensive questions and comments from those most affected by any changes, and, under my current circumstances, I am certainly not one of them.