Your Social Security Benefits for 2025: Cost of Living Adjustment

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially released its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) figures for 2025. These numbers will have an impact on monthly Social Security benefits payouts for retirees and the amounts paid out to recipients of Social Security disability benefits and survivor benefits.

The COLA Change From 2024 to 2025

Beginning January 1, 2025, Social Security benefits checks are receiving a 2.5 percent raise from 2024. This works out to an average of about $50 per month, bringing the average payout per month for retirees up to $1,976.

The COLA generally shifts annually based in part on the consumer price index. Its purpose, according to the SSA, has been to help ensure that the purchasing power of these federal benefits keep up with inflation over time. Automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments went into effect in 1975.

The COLA increase over the past 10 years has been about 2.6 percent on average.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a federal safety net program for roughly 7.5 million people with disabilities nationwide who have limited resources, will also benefit from the latest cost-of-living adjustment. As of 2024, the maximum monthly federal SSI payout was $943 per individual. The new maximum monthly federal SSI payout for 2025 is $967 per individual.

Notifications About Your Benefits

If you are one of the more than 72 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits, notifications of the cost of living adjustment and its impact on your benefits began being mailed out from the SSA in December 2024. The mailed notice will outline for you how much you can expect to receive in your monthly check in 2025. Note that payouts may vary for different individuals based on numerous factors, such as your age and past work earnings.

For further information on the 2025 changes to Social Security benefits, visit the SSA fact sheet. Access your COLA notice online when it is available by logging into your my Social Security account.

If you would like to speak with an experienced elder law attorney regarding your situation or have questions about something you have read, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 1 (800) 680-1717. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.