Thanks to the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), millions of Social Security recipients will see a 2.5% increase in their benefits starting January 2025.
While the increase won’t be reflected in payments until the new year, retirees can begin checking their updated benefit amounts.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will send notices in December 2024 to inform recipients of their new benefit amounts after the COLA. Retirees will also be able to check these updated amounts through their my Social Security account.
2025 COLA for Aged Couples
As of January 2024, aged couples who both receive Social Security benefits received an estimated average check of $3,014. After the 3.2% COLA increase in 2024, this amount slightly rose.
With the 2.5% COLA increase for 2025, aged couples will now receive an average of $3,089 per month starting in January 2025.
How COLA Affects Couples Receiving Benefits
If both you and your spouse have worked for at least ten years and earned enough work credits, you can file for Social Security benefits starting at age 62.
Additionally, some spouses may qualify for spousal benefits, which are based on the work record of their partner.
The $3,089 average monthly benefit for couples represents the total combined benefit, factoring in the COLA increase. This update offers a small but helpful boost for retirees to combat inflation and rising costs.
When Will Retired Couples Receive Their 2025 Payments?
The SSA has confirmed that all retirement benefit payments, including the 2025 COLA increase, will start going out on January 3, 2025. If you meet the following criteria, you will be eligible for this payment:
- You started receiving Social Security before May 1997.
- You are also receiving SSI payments.
- You are not receiving other federal retirement benefits.
If you do not meet these conditions, you’ll receive your updated payment on one of the following Wednesdays based on your birthdate:
- January 8, 2025: If you were born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- January 15, 2025: If you were born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- January 22, 2025: If you were born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
The 2025 COLA increase will provide some financial relief to retirees, with couples receiving an estimated $3,089 per month.
While this modest increase won’t fully counteract inflation, it will help Social Security recipients keep pace with rising costs.
For more details on your individual benefits, keep an eye out for your SSA notice in December or check your my Social Security account online.
FAQs
When will I receive my 2025 COLA-increased payment?
Payments will begin on January 3, 2025, with additional paydays based on your birthdate.
How much will aged couples receive after the 2025 COLA increase?
Aged couples will receive an estimated average of $3,089 per month after the 2.5% COLA.
How do I check my updated Social Security benefits?
You can check your new benefit amount through your my Social Security account or wait for the notice from SSA in December.
What factors determine the 2025 Social Security payment schedule?
Your birthdate and whether you were receiving benefits before May 1997 influence when you receive payments.
Will spousal benefits increase with the 2025 COLA?
Yes, spousal benefits will also reflect the 2.5% COLA increase in 2025.
