A Social Security cost of living increase offers retirees options such as managing costs, saving or enjoying small splurges.

The big buzz on the Social Security front for months has centered on 2025's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Each year, Social Security benefits are eligible for a COLA so that recipients can maintain their buying power as inflation drives living costs upward.

The extent to which your monthly Social Security payments will increase in 2025 will hinge on a few factors. These include an official COLA number, whether you're enrolled in Medicare, and whether the cost of Part B rises in 2025.

Social Security recipients will see a slight increase in checks in the coming year, and others will get their checks a bit early in November. The Social Security Administration announced a cost-of-living adjustment increase for 2025 last week,

SSI beneficiaries will receive an extra check in November. It's not due to government largesse but a calendar quirk.