2025 COLA Update: New Payment Schedule for Social Security and SSI Beneficiaries
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially announced the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025. While millions of retirees are set to benefit from this increase, many will have to wait until later to receive their new payments. SSI recipients will see their COLA increase on December 31, 2024, while retirees and SSDI beneficiaries will receive their adjustments in January 2025.
SSI Recipients to Receive COLA First
In a noteworthy change, SSI recipients will collect their 2025 COLA increase a day early, on December 31, 2024. This adjustment was necessary because the SSA typically does not process payments on federal holidays. By issuing the payment a day earlier, the SSA aims to prevent any delays that could cause financial strain for those with low incomes, who rely heavily on these funds.
Payment Schedule for Retirees and SSDI Beneficiaries
Retirees and SSDI beneficiaries will have to wait until January to receive their COLA adjustments. Their payments will be distributed on the following schedule:
- January 3, 2025: Recipients who began collecting retirement or SSDI payments before May 1997, or those also receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- January 8, 2025: Beneficiaries born between January 1 and January 10.
- January 15, 2025: Beneficiaries born between January 11 and January 20.
- January 22, 2025: Beneficiaries born between January 21 and January 31.
Each of these payments will reflect the COLA increase, allowing benefits to continue to grow for the upcoming year.
Additional Support for Beneficiaries
For those receiving smaller checks, it’s important to note that there are additional benefits available. Recipients can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to receive extra financial assistance.
By understanding the new COLA increase and the payment schedule, beneficiaries can better plan their finances and ensure they make the most of their benefits.
