
Social Security COLA Increase in 2025
Social Security recipients will see a 2.5% increase in their monthly benefits starting in 2025. This adjustment is smaller compared to the 3.2% increase in 2024 and the significant 8.7% rise in 2023, reflecting moderating inflation rates. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is calculated using inflation data to ensure benefits keep up with rising costs.
January 2025 Payment Schedule
Social Security Payments
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues monthly payments based on the beneficiary’s date of birth and the timing of their claims. Here’s the payment schedule for January 2025:
- For those who started receiving benefits before May 1997: January 3
- For birthdays between the 1st and 10th of the month: January 8 (Second Wednesday)
- For birthdays between the 11th and 20th of the month: January 15 (Third Wednesday)
- For birthdays between the 21st and 31st of the month: January 22 (Fourth Wednesday)
SSI Payments
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are distributed on the 1st of the month, but when the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is issued on the preceding weekday.
- January 2025 SSI Payment: December 31, 2024 (New Year’s Eve)
- February 2025 SSI Payment: January 31, 2025 (because February 1 falls on a Saturday)
How COLA Is Calculated
The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which measures inflation. This ensures that Social Security benefits maintain their purchasing power despite rising costs of living.
Reporting Missing Payments
If your payment does not arrive on the scheduled date, take these steps:
- Contact your bank to check for delays in posting the payment.
- If unresolved, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local SSA office.
- The SSA will investigate and replace the payment if it is determined to be due.
Sources
This information is based on official guidelines from the Social Security Administration and related resources.