The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, bringing a monthly increase of $49 to $100 for millions of beneficiaries. This adjustment is designed to help retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors keep up with inflation.
Want to know how much you’ll get, when payments will arrive, and who qualifies? Let’s look in.
Increase
Every year, the SSA adjusts benefits based on inflation, using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). For 2025, the estimated COLA increase will add between $49 and $100 per month to beneficiaries’ payments.
This boost is meant to help recipients cover rising costs in housing, food, and medical expenses.
Eligibility
The COLA increase applies to the following Social Security beneficiaries:
- Retired Workers – Those already receiving retirement benefits.
- SSDI Recipients – Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
- SSI Beneficiaries – Low-income individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Survivors & Dependents – Widows, widowers, and dependent children entitled to benefits.
If you’re already receiving Social Security or SSI, the increase will be automatically applied to your payments starting in January 2025.
Amount
The exact increase depends on your current benefit amount. Below is an estimated breakdown:
| Beneficiary Type | Estimated Monthly Increase |
|---|---|
| Retired Workers | $49 to $100 |
| SSDI Recipients | $50 to $90 |
| SSI Beneficiaries | Around 3.2% increase |
For example, if you currently receive $1,800 per month, a 3.2% COLA increase would add about $57 per month, totaling $684 per year.
Payment
The 2025 COLA increase will take effect in January. Social Security payments are scheduled based on birth dates:
- 2nd Wednesday – Birthdays on the 1st-10th
- 3rd Wednesday – Birthdays on the 11th-20th
- 4th Wednesday – Birthdays on the 21st-31st
SSI payments, however, will continue to be paid on the 1st of every month. Survivor benefits follow the same schedule as regular Social Security payments.
Checking
Want to confirm your updated benefits? Here’s how:
- Online – Log into your SSA account at ssa.gov.
- Bank Account – Check direct deposit or bank statements.
- Phone – Call the SSA helpline at 1-800-772-1213.
The 2025 COLA increase is a welcome relief for many Social Security beneficiaries. While it may not fully offset rising costs, it provides some extra financial cushion to help cover daily expenses.
Now is the time to review your finances and plan ahead for the new year.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the 2025 COLA?
Retirees, SSDI, SSI, and survivor beneficiaries qualify.
When will COLA payments start?
The increase starts in January 2025.
How much will my benefits increase?
Between $49 and $100 per month, depending on eligibility.
How can I check my new benefit amount?
Log in to ssa.gov, check your bank, or call SSA.
Will I need to apply for the COLA increase?
No, the increase is automatic for eligible beneficiaries.
