Connie and her spouse, Mark, $($both over $65)$ are filing a joint return for $2023.$ They both received Social Security benefits during the year. In January $2023,$ Connie received a Form SSA$-1099$ showing net benefits of $$7,500$ in box $5.$ Mark received a Form SSA$-1099$ showing net benefits of $$3,500$ in box $5.$ Connie also received a taxable pension of $$22,000$ and interest income of $$500.$ She did not have any tax$-$exempt interest income. What amount of Connie$$s Social Security benefits is taxable for $2023?$

A$.$ $$0$

B$.$ $$500$

C$.$ $$3,750$

D$.$ $$7,500$