Millions of Americans receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are in for a financial boost in 2025. Thanks to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), monthly payments will increase by 2.5% next year.
While this isn’t the biggest raise in recent years, it still means more money in your pocket to help cover the rising cost of essentials like food, rent, and medical care.
How Much Will Your Payments Increase?
- SSDI Recipients: The average monthly SSDI benefit will rise to about $1,580, an increase of roughly $38 per month. Those receiving the maximum SSDI benefit could see their payments increase to $4,018 per month.
- SSI Recipients: The maximum federal SSI benefit will go up to $967 per month for individuals (up from $943). Couples where both partners qualify will receive a maximum of $1,450 per month.
Who Qualifies for These Payments?
Not everyone will receive the same increase, but if you already get SSDI or SSI benefits, the raise will automatically be applied to your payments starting January 2025.
- SSDI Eligibility: You must have worked and earned enough work credits while paying into Social Security and meet the SSA’s definition of disability.
- SSI Eligibility: This program is for individuals with low income and limited resources, including those who are disabled, blind, or over 65.
Will This Increase Be Enough?
While the extra money will help, many seniors and disabled individuals worry that a 2.5% COLA won’t be enough to keep up with inflation. Prices for groceries, rent, and healthcare have continued to climb, making it harder for people on fixed incomes to make ends meet.
Advocates for Social Security recipients have been pushing for larger benefit increases and changes to how the COLA is calculated. Many argue that the current system doesn’t reflect the true costs that seniors and disabled Americans face.
What Should You Do Next?
If you receive SSDI or SSI, you don’t need to do anything—your benefits will increase automatically in January. However, it’s a good idea to check your Social Security account online to see your updated payment amounts.
For the latest updates on Social Security changes, visit ssa.gov.
