Millions of Social Security recipients across the United States are continuing to see higher monthly payments in 2025, thanks to the ongoing effects of the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This increase, which officially kicked in at the beginning of the year, was introduced to help senior citizens and other beneficiaries cope with rising prices due to inflation.
While the COLA increase was announced months ago, many Americans still have questions about how it affects them, how long it will last, and what to expect going forward. Here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing COLA increase and how it impacts your Social Security payments.
What Is COLA and Why Does It Matter?
COLA stands for Cost-of-Living Adjustment. It’s an annual change made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure that Social Security benefits keep up with inflation. As the cost of basic goods and services—like groceries, housing, and fuel—rises, so too should the amount beneficiaries receive.
Without COLA, inflation would slowly reduce the buying power of millions of retirees, disabled individuals, and other recipients who rely on monthly Social Security checks.
2025 COLA: How Much Was the Increase?
In 2025, the COLA was set at 3.2%, a modest but significant increase following the larger 8.7% hike in 2023 and the 5.9% in 2022. While it’s smaller compared to the past two years, it’s still above average when compared to many earlier years.
This 3.2% increase means that, on average, Social Security recipients are seeing about $50 more per month. The exact amount will vary depending on the individual’s total monthly benefit before the adjustment.
Who Gets the COLA Increase?
The COLA applies to:
- Retired workers
- Disabled workers
- Survivor benefits recipients
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries
In total, over 71 million Americans are receiving higher payments due to the 2025 COLA adjustment.
If you began receiving Social Security before December 2024, you should have already seen the COLA reflected in your January 2025 check. For SSI recipients, the higher payments started a bit earlier, in December 2024.
When Will I Receive My Social Security Payment?
The Social Security payment schedule depends on your birthday:
- If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of the month, you get paid on the second Wednesday.
- If it’s between the 11th and 20th, you get paid on the third Wednesday.
- If it’s between the 21st and 31st, you get paid on the fourth Wednesday.
For SSI, payments are usually sent on the first of the month.
To check your payment date, use your My Social Security account online or visit the SSA’s official payment schedule page.
Will COLA Keep Going Up in 2026?
That depends on inflation trends throughout 2025. The Social Security Administration calculates the COLA using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The next adjustment, for 2026, will be announced in October 2025.
If inflation stays high, we may see another strong increase next year. If prices level off or drop, the COLA may be smaller—or even stay flat.
What If I Haven’t Noticed an Increase?
If you think you haven’t received your COLA increase yet, here are some steps you can take:
- Check your benefit statement: Log in to your My Social Security account and view your 2025 payment details.
- Compare amounts: Look at your December 2024 payment vs. January 2025.
- Contact SSA: If there’s an issue, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Also, remember that Medicare Part B premiums are deducted from many Social Security payments, and they increased in 2025, which may make the COLA boost seem smaller than expected.
How Can You Stay Updated?
To stay informed on future COLA increases, payment schedules, and benefit updates, keep an eye on:
- SSA’s
- Monthly benefit statements via your My Social Security account
- Reliable financial news sources
Final Thoughts
The 2025 COLA is helping millions of Americans better manage rising expenses. While it’s not a massive increase compared to previous years, every bit counts—especially for those living on a fixed income. As inflation remains a concern, keeping up with your Social Security updates is key to understanding how your payments may change in the months ahead.
Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
