We're nearly half way into January and another set of Social Security checks will soon be headed out to beneficiaries. The 2025 COLA increase is officially in place and recipients should see a 2.5% increase to their monthly payments. The COLA increase also extends to Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability insurance recipients.

Because of the calendar, Social Security recipients who get Supplemental Security Income benefits get their first 2025 check on Dec. 31, 2024.

The average Social Security payment will rise by more than $50 per month starting in January, thanks to the federal government’s 3.2% annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. A 3.2% increase in the average Social Security check—about $1,

Social Security is one of the most important income sources for retirees. Most people qualify for retirement benefits as long as they worked long enough, and the benefits are both protected from the impact of inflation and guaranteed to last until your death.

What's the big problem? Anyone who has been collecting Social Security benefits for a few years knows that the 2025 COLA is smaller than what they have grown accustomed to receivi

Early filers can earn up to $23,400 in 2025 before benefits are reduced, while those reaching Full Retirement Age (FRA) in 2025 can earn up to $62,160. High earners who are not ye