Episode Overview

Podcast: Your Money Minute
Host: Jessica Ettinger (CNBC)
Date: December 2, 2025
Episode Title: No Social Security Bonus Checks Coming 12/2/25

In this concise episode, Jessica Ettinger from CNBC dispels widespread rumors regarding a supposed $6,000 Social Security "bonus" check rumored to be arriving for beneficiaries in the spring. With the support of CNBC personal finance reporter Lori Konish, the episode corrects misinformation about upcoming Social Security changes and highlights what recipients can genuinely expect during upcoming tax season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. No $6,000 "Bonus" Check Is Coming

• Jessica Ettinger immediately clarifies that the highly anticipated $6,000 Social Security "bonus" check simply does not exist:
  • Quote ([00:05]):
    "If you collect Social Security and you're waiting for that $6,000 bonus check you think is coming in the spring, it's not coming."

2. Confusion Over the Term "Bonus"

• Lori Konish explains why the term “bonus” gained traction among recipients:
  • The use of "bonus" has led people to believe they’ll receive funds similar to earlier COVID-19 relief direct payments.
  • Quote ([00:11]):
    "The term bonus makes people think that this is like the COVID relief where direct checks went out through the mail or through direct deposit. And that is not the case here."

3. What’s Actually Happening: Tax Deduction at Filing Time

• Instead of direct payments, the actual benefit is an up to $6,000 deduction at tax time, contingent upon eligibility.
  • Quote ([00:28]):
    "Instead, people will see at tax time that an additional deduction for up to $6,000 if they qualify." — Lori Konish

4. Origin of the Rumor: The Summer Letter

• The misconception is traced back to a letter sent by the Trump administration’s Social Security administration earlier in the year.
  • The letter suggested elimination of federal income taxes on Social Security benefits, which was misinterpreted widely.
  • Jessica ([00:36]):
    "Americans keep talking about that Social Security bonus on Social media because of a summer letter that the Trump administration's Social Security administration sent out..."

5. Clarifying the Tax Provisions

• Lori elaborates that the proposed provision may eliminate or reduce taxes on Social Security benefits, but it strictly depends on an individual's income and overall tax situation.
  • Quote ([00:54]):
    "The agency also stated that the bill includes a provision that eliminates taxes on Social Security benefits and that is not the will indirectly reduce or eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits for beneficiaries, but it will depend on your income and other factors of your tax situation personally." — Lori Konish

6. Final Advice

• Jessica Ettinger encourages listeners to stay informed about Social Security and personal taxes through reputable sources:
  • Quote ([01:16]):
    "Keep up with Social Security and taxes. @cnbc.com"

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If you collect Social Security and you're waiting for that $6,000 bonus check you think is coming in the spring, it's not coming." – Jessica Ettinger ([00:05])
• "The term bonus makes people think that this is like the COVID relief where direct checks went out... That is not the case here." – Lori Konish ([00:11])
• "Instead, people will see at tax time that an additional deduction for up to $6,000 if they qualify." – Lori Konish ([00:28])
• "It will depend on your income and other factors of your tax situation personally." – Lori Konish ([00:54])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:05 — Debunking the “bonus check” myth
• 00:11 — Explanation: Why the misconception spread
• 00:28 — Actual benefit: Tax deduction, not a check
• 00:36 — Rumor traced to official communication
• 00:54 — Explanation of the new tax provision and its limitations
• 01:16 — Reminder to stay updated via CNBC

Summary Takeaways

• There will be no $6,000 Social Security "bonus check" sent to recipients in spring 2026.
• The rumored bonus originated from a government letter and fueled by social media, but the reality is more nuanced: some beneficiaries may receive tax deductions up to $6,000 based on eligibility at tax time, not direct payments.
• Potential elimination of taxes on Social Security benefits will vary depending on taxpayer’s broader income circumstances.
• Listeners are encouraged to follow trusted sources for ongoing updates and accurate financial information.