First Social Security Increase Set for January 2025 – Over 70 million Social Security beneficiaries look forward to confirmation of a new COLA increase in 2025. According to estimates from the Senior Citizens League (TSCL), the increase may range from 2.73% to 3.2%. In spite of rising costs, beneficiaries will be able to maintain their purchasing power thanks to this annual increase, aimed at offsetting inflation.
In the meantime, let’s investigate how the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) payment schedule works and determine projected benefit amounts for 2025 before the Bureau of Labor Statistics announces the final COLA adjustment.
Scheduling
There is a clear schedule for Social Security payments. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) program pay benefits at specific intervals each month, with exceptions during federal holidays and weekends.
January 2025’s schedule looks like this:
- January 1st is a federal holiday, so SSI recipients will receive their payments a day earlier, on December 31st, 2024. Because February 1st is a weekend, SSI recipients will receive their next payment early on January 31st, 2025.
- The RSDI payments for those who applied before May 1997 will be mailed on January 3rd. For those who applied after May 1997, their benefits will be mailed on their birth date:
- Born 1st–10th: January 8th
- Born 11th–20th: January 15th
- Born 21st–31st: January 22nd
Payments projected
It is estimated that Social Security benefits will increase by 2.73% in October, although the final figure won’t be confirmed until then.
The new Social Security checks for different beneficiaries could be 2.73% higher if the COLA increase stands at 2.73%.
| Program | Average Benefits (2025) | Increase (2.73%) |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Benefits | Age 62: $2,784 | Age 67: $3,926 |
| Age 70: $5,006 | On average: $1,952 | |
| Survivor Benefits | Individual: $1,821 | Two Children: $3,753 |
| On average: $1,546 | ||
| SSDI Benefits | Blind Recipients: $2,661 | Maximum Payment: $3,926 |
| On average: $1,579 | ||
| SSI Benefits | Individuals: $969 | Couples: $1,454 |
| Essential Person: $485 | On average: $717 |
Benefits of retirement
The amount of Social Security payments for retirees varies greatly based on their age. Early retirees (age 62) receive around $2,784 per month on average, while full retirement age (age 67) receives approximately $3,926 per month. The maximum benefits are available to individuals who delay retirement until 70, around $5,006 per month.
Benefits for survivors
The projected monthly payment for survivors of deceased beneficiaries varies based on the family composition. For individuals, the average benefit could be $1,821. For families with two children, it could rise as high as $3,753.
Benefits from SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments will also be adjusted based on the COLA increase for those receiving SSDI. On average, disabled workers will receive $1,579 per month. Blind recipients may receive a larger benefit, averaging $2,661 with a maximum benefit of $3,926.
Benefits from SSI
Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) typically receive lower payments than recipients of other programs. In 2025, the average payment could reach $969 for individuals and $1,454 for couples.
Payments
First Social Security Increase Set for January 2025 – A beneficiary’s income could differ based on the official COLA increase and other factors. Payment amounts depend on age, work history, and SSDI eligibility. As prices for basic goods and services rise, beneficiaries will be able to keep up with inflation with the increase, ensuring they do not lose purchasing power.
In October, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will announce the final COLA increase, providing an official snapshot of what to expect.
It’s a good idea for Social Security beneficiaries to plan for potential increases by reviewing their financial needs and estimating how the adjustments will impact their monthly income.
