If you’re one of the 7.5 million Americans relying on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’re likely eager to know when the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will start benefiting your federal payments. In 2024, an individual SSI recipient can receive up to $943 per month, but thanks to a 2.5% COLA increase, this amount will rise to $967 starting December 31, 2024. Wondering why it’s arriving a day earlier than usual? Let’s break it down and look into how this increase will affect your payments.
Timing
SSI payments typically arrive on the first of each month. However, January 1, 2025, falls on a federal holiday (New Year’s Day), pushing the payment date to December 31, 2024. This means you’ll see the higher amount in your December payment rather than waiting until January.
So, what does this mean for your benefits? Let’s take a closer look.
Increases
The 2.5% COLA might not sound like much, but it adds up. Here’s a breakdown of how much extra you’ll see based on your current SSI payment:
| Current SSI Payment | COLA Increase (2.5%) | New Payment Starting Dec. 31 |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | $2.50 | $102.50 |
| $200 | $5.00 | $205.00 |
| $300 | $7.50 | $307.50 |
| $400 | $10.00 | $410.00 |
| $500 | $12.50 | $512.50 |
| $600 | $15.00 | $615.00 |
| $700 | $17.50 | $717.50 |
| $800 | $20.00 | $820.00 |
| $1,000 | $25.00 | $1,025.00 |
For married couples receiving SSI, the maximum payment will increase from $1,415 to $1,450—a $35 boost. Meanwhile, the maximum payment for essential persons (individuals who help someone receiving SSI) will rise from $472 to $484, a $12 increase.
Eligibility
Not everyone qualifies for SSI. To receive these payments, you must meet income and resource requirements. Additionally, you must be at least 65 years old, blind, or disabled. SSI is a lifeline for those with minimal income, especially if their Social Security retirement or SSDI checks are low.
COLA Process
COLA increases are calculated annually using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This index measures inflation from the third quarter of one year to the third quarter of the next. If inflation rises, benefits increase to help maintain your purchasing power.
Here’s a quick rundown of the COLA timeline:
- Announcement: October
- Adjustment Effective Date: December benefits (paid in January)
- Notices: Sent via mail and online in early December
For the 2025 COLA, the increase will be reflected in payments starting December 31, 2024.
Final Thoughts
The 2.5% COLA increase is a small but important step to help SSI recipients keep up with rising costs. Whether it’s a few extra dollars or a larger boost for couples, every penny counts when you’re managing a tight budget. Make sure to check your “my Social Security” account in December to confirm your updated payment amount.
FAQs
Why is the payment on Dec. 31?
January 1, 2025, is a federal holiday, so payments are advanced.
How much will SSI increase in 2025?
The 2025 COLA is a 2.5% increase for all beneficiaries.
What is the max SSI payment for 2025?
An individual can receive $967; couples get $1,450.
When are COLA notices sent?
COLA notices are sent in early December.
Who qualifies for SSI?
Eligibility requires low income and being aged 65, blind, or disabled.
