Millions of Americans will see bigger Social Security checks in 2025, thanks to an increase in benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), raising the average monthly retirement payment to around $1,919.
If you’re a Social Security beneficiary, you might be wondering when your payment will arrive and if you qualify for the increase. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes.
Why Are Social Security Payments Increasing?
Every year, the SSA adjusts benefits to keep up with inflation. This adjustment is called the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and ensures retirees don’t lose purchasing power as the cost of everyday goods and services rises.
For 2025, the 2.5% COLA means that if you received $1,876 per month in 2024, your new payment will be about $1,919. This increase will automatically be applied to all Social Security payments, so beneficiaries don’t need to take any action.
Who Qualifies for Social Security Benefits?
To receive Social Security retirement benefits, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Age Requirement: You can start collecting benefits at age 62, but if you claim before your Full Retirement Age (FRA), your payments will be permanently reduced. If you delay collecting past your FRA, your benefit amount will increase until you reach age 70.
- Work Credits: To qualify, you must have worked and paid into Social Security for at least 10 years (40 work credits).
When Will You Get Your Payment?
Social Security payments follow a schedule based on your birth date. Here’s when you can expect your check in February 2025:
- If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th: Payment arrives on Wednesday, February 12
- If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th: Payment arrives on Wednesday, February 19
- If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st: Payment arrives on Wednesday, February 26
If you started receiving Social Security before May 1997, or you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment will be deposited on February 3.
What Factors Affect Your Social Security Payment?
The amount of Social Security benefits you receive depends on several key factors:
- Lifetime Earnings: Social Security calculates your benefits based on your highest 35 years of earnings.
- Age When You Claim: If you take Social Security before your FRA, you’ll receive a smaller check. If you wait until age 70, you’ll receive higher monthly payments.
- Annual COLA Increases: Each year, Social Security payments adjust for inflation. The 2025 increase is 2.5%.
Recent Changes to Social Security
In January 2025, President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act, which benefits public workers like teachers, firefighters, and police officers. The bill removes previous restrictions, meaning affected workers could see an increase of $360 to $1,190 per month in their Social Security benefits.
Final Thoughts
If you rely on Social Security, this 2.5% increase will help keep up with rising costs in 2025. Payments will be automatically adjusted, and you can expect your check on your designated payment date.
Stay informed and check your SSA account to confirm your updated benefit amount!
