If you receive SSI or SSDI, there’s great news waiting in your bank account—your monthly check likely increased in 2025, and it could add up to an extra $2,400 over the year. Thanks to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), millions of Americans on Social Security benefits are now receiving more money every single month—without needing to apply or fill out a single form.
But how does this work, who qualifies, and how can you check your new payment amount? Here’s the full breakdown.
Why Are Benefits Increasing in 2025?
Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews inflation levels to determine how much to raise benefits through the COLA system. For 2025, they approved a 2.5% increase based on the Consumer Price Index, designed to help beneficiaries keep up with the rising cost of essentials like groceries, rent, and medical care.
That percentage may sound small, but when you break it down over 12 months, the impact is huge—especially for those who rely solely on their Social Security check to cover living expenses.
How Much More Will You Actually Receive?
Let’s take a look at how the 2.5% increase affects average payments across SSI and SSDI programs in 2025:
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SSI Recipients (Individuals):
Old monthly amount: $943
New monthly amount: ~$967
Total annual increase: ~$288 -
SSI for Couples:
Old monthly amount: $1,415
New monthly amount: ~$1,450
Total annual increase: ~$420 -
SSDI Average Beneficiary:
Old monthly amount: $1,582
New monthly amount: ~$1,622
Total annual increase: ~$480 -
SSDI Maximum Benefit:
Old monthly amount: $4,018
New monthly amount: ~$4,118
Total annual increase: ~$1,200
Depending on your specific benefit level and whether you’re receiving both SSI and SSDI, your total yearly increase could range from a few hundred to over $2,400.
Who Qualifies for This Increase?
The best part? You don’t have to do anything to receive it. The COLA is automatic. If you were receiving benefits as of December 2024, your January 2025 payment already included the 2.5% raise.
You qualify if you are:
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A recipient of SSI (Supplemental Security Income) based on financial need
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Receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) based on work history and a qualifying disability
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Someone who recently started benefits—your payments are already adjusted for COLA
What If You Receive Both SSI and SSDI?
Some people qualify for both programs. In that case, your SSDI count may reduce your SSI payment, since SSI is income-based. However, both benefits still receive the 2.5% COLA—your total combined income still increases, even if the SSI portion adjusts slightly.
Not Seeing the Raise? Here’s What to Do
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Log into your “my Social Security” account at v to view your 2025 benefit breakdown
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Compare your 2024 and 2025 award letters to see the exact COLA difference
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If your check hasn’t gone up, contact the SSA at 1‑800‑772‑1213 to report any issues or confirm eligibility
Why It Matters: Inflation vs. Income
While 2.5% might not sound huge, for seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income Americans living on fixed incomes, it can make a real difference. Every dollar counts when rent, food, transportation, and medication prices continue to rise. This COLA is meant to cushion those costs—though many advocates argue it’s still not enough.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a one-time bonus—it’s a permanent raise. If you receive SSI or SSDI, your monthly checks are now larger thanks to the 2.5% 2025 COLA. For many, that means up to $200 more each month, and a total annual boost of $2,400 or more. Check your account and statements to confirm that you’re receiving the correct amount.
