Social Security beneficiaries—including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients—are receiving more in 2025 due to a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). But there’s no new $600 boost coming in May. That increase began in January 2025 and will be distributed throughout the year.
Why Social Security payments are higher in 2025
The SSA bases annual COLA adjustments on data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This index tracks changes in consumer prices and reflects how inflation affects everyday expenses. In October 2024, the SSA announced a 2.5% COLA increase for 2025 after analyzing CPI-W data.
Approximately 68 million Americans began receiving higher benefits starting January 2025. This increase applies to anyone enrolled in a qualifying Social Security program as of December 2024. No additional steps were required to receive the adjustment—it was applied automatically.
WATCH OUT FOR FRAUD: Social Security fraud is on the rise here
What the $600 figure actually means
The “$600 increase” refers to the average additional benefit a person will receive over the entire year, not a one-time payment or new increase arriving in May.
For example, a retiree receiving $2,400 per month before the COLA will now receive about $2,460—a $60 increase per month, or $720 over 12 months. SSI recipients generally receive less, so their monthly boost will be smaller, but still meaningful. The exact amount depends on your prior benefit level and eligibility.
Those who earn more than $176,100 annually in taxable wages may not see the full benefit increase due to income caps that affect high earners.
Who qualifies for the 2025 COLA increase?
To receive the higher benefit amount:
- You must have received SSI, SSDI, retirement, or survivor benefits by December 2024
- Your benefits must be based on eligibility for a Social Security program
- No separate application was required—the adjustment was included automatically in January payments
If you’re newly applying for SSI or SSDI in 2025, your starting benefit amount already includes the 2.5% increase.
Stay alert for COLA-related scams
Because these benefit updates affect millions of people and involve large amounts of money, scammers often target Social Security recipients.
To protect yourself:
- The Social Security Administration will never call, text, or email you asking for personal or financial information.
- Never share your Social Security number or banking information with unknown callers or unsolicited emails.
- For official information, visit ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or schedule a visit with your local SSA office.
If you suspect fraud or identity theft, report it immediately to the Office of the Inspector General.
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