Millions of Social Security beneficiaries will see an increase in their monthly payments starting tomorrow, as the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) goes into effect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed a 2.5% COLA boost, which will raise the average monthly retirement benefit from $1,927 to $1,976—an increase of $49 per month.
Here’s what you need to know about the updated Social Security payments when you’ll see the extra money, and how to check your new benefit amount.
How Much More Will You Get?
The COLA increase applies to all Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The actual amount you receive will depend on your work history and lifetime earnings, but here are some key figures:
Retired Workers – The average benefit will rise from $1,927 to $1,976 per month.
Married Couples (Both Receiving Benefits) – Their combined benefits will increase from $3,033 to $3,109 per month.
SSDI Recipients – The average disability benefit will increase from $1,537 to approximately $1,575 per month.
SSI Beneficiaries – The maximum monthly benefit will increase to $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples.
When Will You Receive Your Higher Payment?
Social Security payments are sent out based on your birthdate, following the SSA’s standard schedule:
- January 3, 2025 – If you started receiving benefits before May 1997, or if you received both Social Security and SSI, your payment arrives on this date.
- January 8, 2025 – If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- January 15, 2025 – If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of any month.
- January 22, 2025 – If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any month.
How to Check Your New Benefit Amount
To see exactly how much your new monthly payment will be, follow these steps:
- Log Into Your “My Social Security” Account – Visit SSA.gov and sign in to check your benefit statement and see the updated amount.
- Check Your Bank Account – If you receive direct deposit, your payment will reflect the new COLA increase automatically.
- Wait for the SSA Notification Letter – The SSA sends annual benefit statements outlining the COLA adjustment and your new monthly payment amount.
What If Your Payment Is Delayed?
If you haven’t received your increased payment by your scheduled date:
Wait at least 3 business days before reporting a missing payment.
Check with your bank for any processing delays with direct deposits.
Contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if you don’t receive your payment after three days.
Final Thoughts
The 2.5% COLA increase will help millions of Americans keep up with rising living costs, even though some advocacy groups have pushed for a larger adjustment. If you’re unsure how this affects your finances, consider speaking with a financial advisor to explore ways to maximize your Social Security benefits.
For official updates, visit SSA.gov or speak with a Social Security representative.
