Social Security benefits have gone up 2.5% in 2025, thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
It's a smaller increase than the 3.2% bump that recipients saw in 2024, reflecting cooling inflation.
Almost 68 million Americans receive monthly Social Security benefits, totaling about $1.5 trillion.
Here's when you can expect to see those additional funds in your check.
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How much did Social Security go up in 2025?
Since 1975, the SSA has adjusted benefits at the beginning of each calendar year to keep up with rising costs. The annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is calculated based on the changes between the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the prior year and the current year. (In this case, from July-September 2023 to July-September 2024).
The Social Security Administration has announced a COLA of 2.5% for 2025, which translates to an average bump of $48 in monthly Social Security benefits and raises the average check for retired workers to $1,968.
Social Security recipients should have been mailed an official notice about their 2025 benefits in December. You can access the information online in mid-November, via your mySocialSecurity account.
When you'll see the increase in your Social Security check
The 2025 COLA will appear in benefit checks for most recipients beginning in January 2025. When your check arrives is determined by your date of birth.
- If you were born between the first and 10th of the month, you should see the increase in the check arriving on Jan. 8, 2025.
- If you were born between the 11th and 20th of the month, expect it on Jan. 15, 2025.
- If you were born between the 21st and the end of the month, your larger check will come on Jan. 22, 2025.
Some recipients will receive the increase sooner:.
- If you've received Social Security benefits since before May 1997, your first check of the year should arrive on Jan. 3, 2025.
- If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), those benefits are typically paid on the first of the month. Since New Year's Day was a federal holiday, though, those checks went out on Dec. 31, 2024.
The full calendar of Social Security payment dates is available online.
Other changes to Social Security in 2025
In 2025 you must compile 40 work credits over your lifetime to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, with a maximum of four credits allowed annually.
Earning one credit in 2025 requires wages or self-employment income equalling at least $1,810, an increase from $1,730 in 2024. You'll need to make at least $7,240 to earn four credits, up from $6,920 in 2024.
The maximum annual earnings subject to Social Security tax has also increased, from $168,600 to $176,100.
If you're under full retirement age, there's a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full Social Security benefits. For 2025, the limit is going up to $23,400. (For people reaching full retirement age in 2025 the limit will be $62,160.)
When you can start collecting Social Security
Eligible workers can begin receiving Social Security benefits at age 62. But you'll get a reduced monthly payment if you don't wait until full retirement age.
| Year of birth | Social Security full retirement age |
|---|---|
| 1943-1954 | 66 |
| 1955 | 66 and two months |
| 1956 | 66 and four months |
| 1957 | 66 and six months |
| 1958 | 66 and eight months |
| 1959 | 66 and 10 months |
| 1960 or later | 67 |
How much is the average Social Security check?
The amount of your Social Security benefits depends on your income throughout your working years and what age you start claiming benefits, among other factors.
In November 2024, the average Social Security monthly check for retired workers was $1,925.46.
Half of seniors who receive Social Security count on their benefits for at least 50% of their household income, according to the SSA. A quarter rely on their check for at least 90% of their income.
Supplementing your benefits with an employer-sponsored 401(k) or an individual retirement account (IRA) can help you live more comfortably in retirement. We ranked Charles Schwab and Betterment as among some of the best IRAs.
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Social Security FAQs
What is the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2025?
The COLA for 2025 is 2.5%, the smallest increase since 2021.
At what age can you get all of your Social Security benefits?
Your full retirement age depends on the year you were born: If you were born in 1957 or earlier, you're already eligible for 100% of your Social Security benefits. After that, it rises gradually to age 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
Will Social Security run out?
Social Security has been operating at a shortfall since 2021, requiring trustees to tap its pool of reserve funds to meet its obligations. According to the 2024 trustees' report, the Social Security Administration will deplete its reserves in 2035. Without congressional action, the fund will then only be able to pay about 83% of benefits to retirees, people with disabilities and others who receive money from the program.
Is Social Security taxable?
Social Security payments have been taxable since 1984 but whether your check is taxed depends on how much you earn: If you are a single filer and your income is under $25,000, there is no tax on your Social Security benefits. For married couples filing jointly, the limit is $32,000. If you earn between $25,000 and $34,000 as a single filer or between $32,000 and $44,000 as a married couple, up to half of your benefits can be taxed. And If you earn above $34,000 — $44,000 for married couples — up to 85% of your benefits can be taxed.
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