As of October 10, 2025, the new cost of living adjustment (COLA) was made public. This meant that Social Security recipients finally knew how much their checks would go up in January 2025.
There will be a 2.5% COLA in 2025, the Social Security Administration said on Thursday. It went up by 3.2% the year before. In 2025, the average monthly payment for a person will go up by $50, from $1,907 to $1,957.
On Thursday, the Social Security Administration said that the COLA for 2025 will be 2.5%. Better than last year, 3.2% more money was raised. The average monthly payment for a person will go up by $50 in 2025, from $1,907 to $1,957.
The annual COLA is meant to keep recipients’ buying power from falling due to inflation. American seniors, on the other hand, told USA TODAY that this has not been the case.
An AARP poll of 1,000 people aged 50 and up in August found that 83% of those surveyed thought a COLA of less than 3% would not be enough.
Why are Social Security checks important for American citizens?
Social Security protects Americans’ finances by giving them payments in case of retirement, disability, or death. The money comes from taxes that companies, employees, and independent contractors pay.
Based on how much you have earned over your lifetime, Social Security checks replace some of the money you were making before you retired.
Social Security retirement benefits may cover some of your average earnings, but it depends on how much you made and when you decide to start getting them.
Based on your work history, you may be able to get Social Security funds if you are 62 or older, have a disability or are blind, and have enough work credits.
COLA is found by comparing the percentage increase in the consumer price index for wage makers and office workers in cities from July to September of the previous year to the same three months this year.
Total inflation is tracked by CPI-W, but it may be a little off. For example, the yearly CPI-W rose by 2.2% in September, while inflation rose by 2.4% overall.
According to the latest rules from the Social Security Administration, retirees, survivors, disabled people, and SSI recipients can get different amounts of money, based on their full retirement age, work history, and the amount of Social Security they have paid in.
Here are all the payment amounts that can be made this year:
- Retired workers: About $1,907 per month
- Retired couples (filing jointly): About $3,303 per month
- Survivor benefits: Average of $1,509.50 per month
- Retired worker spouses: Average of $910 per month
- Children of retired workers: About $892.39 per month
- SSI recipients (individuals): Average of $943 per month
- SSI recipients (couples): About $1,415 per month
How much money will beneficiaries earn in Social Security checks with the new COLA boost?
The COLA increase for 2025 has finally been revealed. Here are all the payment amounts that beneficiaries can get:
| Retirement benefits (Plus 2.5%) | Survivor benefits (Plus 2.5%) | SSDI benefits (Plus 2.5%) | SSI benefits (Plus 2.5%) |
| On average: $1,948
Age 62: $2,778 Age 67: $3,918 Age 70: $4,995 |
On average: $1,543
Individual: $1,817 2 Children: $3,744 |
On average: $1,575
Blind recipients: $2,655 Maximum payment: $3,918 |
On average: $715
Individuals: $967 Couples: $1,450 Essential person: $484 |
Remember that you can use the Social Security COLA Calculator to find out more about your payment amount and how to figure out your Social Security checks.
This is a tool that helps people quickly figure out how much money they might get in benefits after the cost of living adjustment (COLA) boost.
How can beneficiaries apply for Social Security checks?
Folks aged 62 and up who have worked and paid taxes for at least ten years may be able to get Social Security. The Social Security Administration says the following is how to apply for a Social Security check:
You can do an application online.
Call the national toll-free number 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.
If you do not live in the U.S. or a U.S. territory, you may also contact your nearest U.S. Social Security office, U.S. embassy, or U.S. consulate.
Also see:-Social Security makes new payment schedule official – List of checks to be paid in November
