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 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,

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

Here is the January Social Security payment schedule for retirement, disability, and survivor beneficiaries, as well as those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

For recipients who began receiving benefits before May 1997 or who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), payments are made on the third of each month. SSI payments are made on the first of each month.

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