If you’ve been watching your budget closely, you’ll want to pay special attention to your July 2025 Social Security deposit. Thanks to the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), benefits are rising again—though not by as much as many hoped. Still, every extra dollar counts, and most recipients will notice a modest boost in their monthly income starting this month.
Whether you receive retirement, SSDI, or SSI, your July payment includes the 2.5% COLA increase that was officially announced for 2025. We’ve broken down exactly how much more you’ll see—and why some are calling the bump too small for today’s rising costs.
So, How Much Is the 2025 Increase?
The 2025 COLA is 2.5%, applied across all Social Security programs, including retirement, disability (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). That means your July check is your first full payment at the new rate, and here’s what that looks like in dollars:
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Average Retired Worker: Before, the typical monthly check was around $1,927. After the COLA increase, that jumps to about $1,976—a gain of $49 per month.
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Retired Couples (both receiving benefits): Their average combined check increases from $3,014 to $3,089, or $75 more every month.
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Disabled Workers with Family Benefits: These households will see a typical rise from $2,757 to about $2,826, a gain of around $69.
Even though the percentages are small, over the course of a year, that adds up to several hundred dollars in additional income.
What About SSI Recipients?
People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) also got a raise:
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Individuals: Max benefit increases to $967 per month.
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Couples: Max joint benefit rises to $1,450 per month.
These increases technically began in December 2024, but the July check reflects the full adjustment, particularly for new or reactivated accounts.
Why the Boost May Not Be Enough
While it’s better than nothing, this year’s 2.5% adjustment is the smallest COLA since 2021. Many seniors and disabled individuals say it doesn’t go far enough, especially with inflation driving up costs for:
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Rent and utilities
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Groceries
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Prescription medications
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Transportation and fuel
Several advocacy groups have called for a minimum increase closer to 5% to keep pace with real expenses. But for now, the 2.5% COLA is what’s officially locked in.
What You Should Do Now
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Check your July payment to confirm the increase posted.
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Review Medicare deductions—higher premiums could offset your raise.
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Budget accordingly—you’ll get this new amount each month for the rest of the year unless other adjustments are made.
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Track inflation as the 2026 COLA will be calculated based on this year’s trends.
If you’re not seeing the increase or think it’s incorrect, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
