Millions of Americans eagerly await the official announcement of the new Social Security check increase for 2025. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has provided the timeline for when beneficiaries can expect to receive their payments, including adjustments for the cost of living.
This anticipated increase is critical for retirees, survivors, and disabled individuals who rely on Social Security payments to cover their expenses.
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics expected to release the official Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) figures next month, early projections estimate an increase between 2.73% and 3.2%.
Although the exact number remains uncertain until the official announcement, beneficiaries are preparing for the upcoming changes to their monthly payments.
First Social Security Payment with Increase Announced
The federal government distributes five different sets of Social Security payments each month. These payments are divided between the Retirement, Survivor, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
The first SSI payment, which will include the COLA increase, is set for December 31, 2024.
Due to January 1st being a federal holiday, the federal agency has moved the SSI payment to December 31st, making these recipients the first to receive the 2025 payment with the increase.
RSDI recipients will follow in January, with payment dates staggered across the first few weeks of the month, depending on the beneficiary’s birthdate.
Social Security Payment Schedule for 2025:
| Payment Type | Payment Date | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| SSI Benefits (2025 COLA increase) | December 31, 2024 | Payments moved to December 31 due to January 1 holiday. |
| RSDI Benefits (Filed before May 1997) | January 3, 2025 (Friday) | Retirees, survivors, and disabled Americans filed before May 1997. |
| RSDI Benefits (Filed after May 1997) | January 8, 2025 (Wednesday) | Birthdate: 1st-10th |
| January 15, 2025 (Wednesday) | Birthdate: 11th-20th | |
| January 22, 2025 (Wednesday) | Birthdate: 21st-31st |
How Much Will Social Security Checks Increase?
Social Security benefits are calculated based on a variety of factors such as age, employment history, and disability status.
Once a person becomes eligible for Social Security, the SSA determines the amount they receive each month. The COLA increase helps beneficiaries keep up with inflation and adjust their payments accordingly.
Though the official COLA for 2025 will not be confirmed until October, early estimates project a rise of around 2.5% in monthly payments.
This increase will vary depending on the type of Social Security benefit each person receives. Below are the estimated increases for various beneficiaries based on the 2.5% COLA projection:
| Type of Benefit | Average Payment | Projected Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Benefits (Age 62) | $2,778 | Plus 2.5% increase estimated to raise the payment by approximately $69/month. |
| Retirement Benefits (Age 67) | $3,918 | Plus 2.5% increase estimated to raise the payment by approximately $98/month. |
| Survivor Benefits (Two Children) | $3,744 | Plus 2.5% increase estimated to raise the payment by approximately $93/month. |
| SSDI Benefits (Blind Recipients) | $2,655 | Plus 2.5% increase estimated to raise the payment by approximately $66/month. |
| SSI Benefits (Individual) | $967 | Plus 2.5% increase estimated to raise the payment by approximately $24/month. |
Related News:
- A Big Raise Is Coming in 2025 – How the Cost-of-Living Adjustment Will Impact You?
- Did You Receive Your September Social Security Payment? You Could Get Another Soon!
What to Expect from Social Security in 2025?
The 2025 COLA adjustment is crucial for many Americans who rely on Social Security to cover their living expenses. With inflation rising, even a modest increase in benefits can make a difference.
As we move closer to the official announcement of the COLA increase, beneficiaries should monitor updates from the Social Security Administration to stay informed about their payment amounts and dates.
If you are a Social Security recipient, it’s essential to keep track of the payment dates and be aware of any changes to the payment schedule, especially if your birthday falls later in the month.
The COLA increase provides much-needed financial relief and ensures that beneficiaries can maintain their purchasing power despite rising costs.