Starting October 10, 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025.
This means that Americans who are retired or receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits will see an increase in their monthly payments.
While this COLA increase is slightly smaller than usual (the typical COLA is around 2.6%), it still provides an extra $50 per month on average, adding up to about $600 over the course of a year.
Why Will Social Security Start Sending Notices?
Don’t be concerned if you receive a letter from the SSA soon. This letter is a good thing—it is the 2025 COLA notice.
It is not a report of overpayment, but rather a simple update informing you that starting in January, your monthly payments will increase by 2.5%.
This notice will help retirees plan their monthly budget more effectively by showing them exactly how much their new payments will be.
What Will the COLA Notice Include?
The Social Security notice you will receive will include several important details, including:
- The exact amount of your new payment after the COLA increase.
- When the COLA increase will start (this will happen in January).
- If there will be any changes to your tax group, depending on your other sources of income.
- Whether you will see a reduction in your benefits, which could happen for some retirees.
This notice will be easy to read, with one simple page of clear and straightforward information. The SSA uses simple words to make sure everyone can understand the details.
How Can You Check Your COLA Notice?
If you don’t want to wait for the letter to arrive in the mail, you can check your COLA notice online.
If you already have a “My Social Security” account, you can quickly access your COLA notice and see your updated payment details. This is a faster way to stay informed and plan for the upcoming changes.
Key Points to Remember
- You will receive your COLA notice by mail in December.
- You can check your COLA details online through your “My Social Security” account.
- The letter will provide exact amounts and dates for the COLA increase.
By receiving this notice, the SSA is helping retirees better prepare for the new year, ensuring that everyone knows exactly how much they will receive and when.
1. What is the 2025 COLA raise for Social Security?
The 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is a 2.5% increase in Social Security payments, which will provide retirees with an average of $50 more per month.
2. When will the 2025 COLA raise start?
The COLA raise will start in January 2025, and you will see the increase in your monthly payments.
3. How will I know about the COLA raise?
The SSA will send you a letter (the COLA notice) in December, explaining your new payment amount and when it will start.
4. Can I check my COLA notice online?
Yes, if you have a “My Social Security” account, you can check your COLA notice online, which is a faster way to get the information.
5. Will the COLA increase affect my taxes?
For some retirees, the COLA increase may move them to a different tax group if they have other income. The COLA notice will provide this information if it applies to you.