The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for 2025. This adjustment is designed to help retirees, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries keep up with inflation.
However, not everyone will receive this increase at the same time. While SSI recipients will receive their adjusted payments on December 31, 2024, other beneficiaries, such as retirees and SSDI recipients, will need to wait until January 2025 to see the boost in their checks.
SSI Recipients First
You may be wondering why SSI recipients receive their COLA-adjusted payments first, on December 31, 2024, rather than the usual January 1. This early payment is because the SSA does not issue checks or direct deposits on Federal Holidays. Since January 1, 2025, falls on a holiday, SSI beneficiaries will get their payments one day earlier to avoid delays.
The SSA takes special care to ensure that payments to SSI recipients, who typically have low incomes, are made promptly. Even a minor delay could cause financial strain for these individuals, making the December 31 payment crucial for maintaining financial stability.
Retirees and SSDI
If you’re a retiree or SSDI beneficiary, you won’t receive your COLA-increased payment until January 2025. The payment schedule for these groups is structured based on when you began receiving benefits and your birth date.
Here’s the breakdown for 2025:
- January 3: This payment is for retirees and SSDI recipients who either began collecting benefits before May 1997 or are also receiving SSI.
- January 8: For those born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- January 15: For individuals born between the 11th and 20th.
- January 22: For those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st.
All these payments will include the 2025 COLA increase, ensuring your benefits grow along with inflation.
Haven’t Applied
To receive these payments, beneficiaries must have filed and received approval from the SSA for either Social Security retirement, SSDI, or SSI benefits. If you’ve never applied for any of these benefits, you won’t qualify for the 2025 COLA increase.
Additional Support
If you’re receiving a small Social Security check, you might be eligible for SSI and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. These additional forms of support can help make ends meet by supplementing your income, especially with rising costs due to inflation.
The 2025 COLA increase is an essential adjustment for millions of Americans relying on Social Security, SSI, and SSDI benefits. SSI recipients will be the first to receive their increased payments on December 31, 2024, while retirees and SSDI beneficiaries will need to wait until January.
The payment schedule is clearly set, but it’s important to ensure you’ve applied and been approved for the appropriate benefits to receive this adjustment. For low-income recipients, exploring additional support programs like SSI or SNAP may provide extra financial relief.
FAQs
Why do SSI recipients get paid on December 31?
The SSA avoids sending payments on Federal Holidays, so SSI is issued early.
When will retirees receive the COLA increase?
Retirees will receive the increase in January, depending on their birth date.
What is the payment date for SSDI beneficiaries?
SSDI payments follow the same January schedule as retirees.
Can I apply for SSI if my Social Security check is small?
Yes, you can apply for SSI if your benefits are low and you meet the eligibility criteria.
Will COLA continue to increase benefits in 2025?
Yes, all payments for retirees, SSDI, and SSI will include the 2025 COLA adjustment.