Social Security Benefits Increase 2025: Here’s How Much You’ll Get
10 min read
If you’re collecting Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’ve got a little boost coming your way in 2025. The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which means bigger monthly checks for millions of Americans.
While this increase is slightly below the 3.2% bump from 2024 — and the lowest since 2021 — it’s still welcome news for those relying on these benefits to keep up with everyday expenses.
So, what does this mean in real numbers? The average Social Security retirement benefit will go up by about $50 per month starting in January 2025. If you receive SSI, your higher payments will kick in a little earlier, starting on December 31, 2024. This COLA is meant to help offset inflation, ensuring your benefits keep pace with the rising cost of goods and services.
But the COLA isn’t the only change happening to Social Security in 2025. From tax adjustments to redesigned notices, let’s break down everything you need to know about next year’s updates.
To keep tabs on all the most vital info about your government benefits, sign up for a free BenefitKarma account!
How much will Social Security benefits increase in 2025?
As is the case pretty much every year, the 2.5% COLA means that Social Security beneficiaries will see their monthly payments rise. While the exact amount depends on your specific benefit, the average increase will be around $50 per month.
This is slightly below the average COLA over the last decade (2.6%) but still provides a bump in fixed income security benefits.
For those receiving SSI benefits, payments increased starting on Dec. 31, 2024. It’s important to note that some people receive both Social Security and SSI, so they see changes to both benefits.
How does Social Security decide on the COLA?
The annual COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which measures inflation. The goal is to ensure that Social Security payments keep up with the cost of living. If prices go up, so do benefits — but if inflation slows down, the increase may be smaller.
What do the increases look like for different Social Security recipients?
The actual increase in dollar amounts depends on the type of benefit you receive. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
Retired workers: The average monthly retirement benefit will rise by about $50, bringing the new total to roughly $2,150 per month.
Disabled workers (SSDI recipients): Those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will see an average increase of around $40 per month.
Survivors: Widows, widowers, and dependents receiving survivor benefits can expect an increase of approximately $45 per month.
SSI recipients: Individuals on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see their monthly payments rise slightly, with the new federal maximum benefit reaching approximately $986 for individuals and $1,478 for couples.
Are there other changes to Social Security in 2025?
Yes! Here are a few ways you might see a little extra money from Social Security this year:
Higher Maximum Taxable Earnings
If you’re a high earner, more of your income will be subject to Social Security taxes. The maximum taxable earnings limit is going up from $168,600 in 2024 to $176,100 in 2025.
Retirement Earnings Test Limits Are Increasing
If you’re collecting Social Security but haven’t reached full retirement age yet, you can earn a bit more before benefits are temporarily reduced:
Before full retirement age: The exempt amount rises from $22,320 in 2024 to $23,400 in 2025.
The year you reach full retirement age: The exempt amount increases from $59,520 to $62,160.
Disability Income Limits Are Going Up
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), here’s what’s changing:
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals will increase from $1,550 to $1,620 per month.
For blind individuals, it’s rising from $2,590 to $2,700 per month.
The Trial Work Period threshold is also increasing, from $1,110 to $1,160 per month, which means you can make just a little bit more income before you start to lose benefits.
RELATED: Here’s How to Avoid Losing Your Social Security Benefits in 2025
Bigger Maximum Social Security Benefit
If you retire at full retirement age in 2025, the most you can receive in monthly Social Security benefits will increase from $3,822 in 2024 to $4,018 in 2025.
Higher SSI Payments
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your monthly benefit is going up:
Individuals: From $943 to $967 per month.
Couples: From $1,415 to $1,450 per month.
These increases are designed to help Social Security beneficiaries keep up with inflation and rising costs. While the changes may not be huge, they can add up over time!
When will 2026 increases be released?
If you want to see exactly how much your 2026 Social Security payment will be, you don’t have to wait for a letter in the mail. The SSA will start notifying people about their new benefit amounts in early December 2025, and you can check yours online through the my Social Security account portal. Signing up is free and gives you quick, secure access to your benefits information.
If you want to receive an online notification instead of waiting for a mailed letter, be sure to set up a my Social Security account by the end of November 2025. You can also opt to receive text or email alerts when your new COLA notice is available.