The Social Security Administration (SSA) has provided vital updates for those relying on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks.
SSI benefits are crucial financial support for low-income individuals aged 65 or older, those who are blind, or individuals with disabilities that prevent them from working.
Beneficiaries who qualify for this program do not need to have paid into Social Security taxes, making SSI a critical resource for millions of Americans.
What to Expect in 2025 for SSI Payments?
In 2025, recipients of SSI benefits can expect a modest increase in their payments due to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The COLA is designed to keep Social Security benefits aligned with inflation.
This year, however, the projected increase stands at 2.63%, according to predictions from the Senior Citizens League. While this may offer some financial relief, many SSI beneficiaries had hoped for a larger adjustment given the financial challenges they face.
Breakdown of the Increase
The 2.63% increase will add an average of $18 to the monthly payments for SSI recipients, raising the average monthly check from $698 to $716. For individuals receiving higher benefits, such as those getting $943 monthly, the increase will be about $25, bringing their payments to $968.
Couples, on the other hand, who currently receive $1,415 a month, will see their payments increase by $37, reaching a new total of $1,452.
These changes, while helpful, are still lower than last year’s 3.2% increase and significantly lower than the 8.7% boost in 2023. Inflation has been on a downward trend, leading to smaller COLA adjustments in recent years, which explains the modest increase.
How Is the COLA Determined?
The Social Security Administration calculates the COLA based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
This index tracks inflation, and the SSA uses this data to adjust benefits. However, the final determination of the COLA for 2025 won’t be made until October 2024. At that point, beneficiaries will know exactly how much they can expect to receive in increased payments.
Comparison with Past Years
The COLA changes significantly from year to year depending on the economic environment. For example, in 2024, recipients received a 3.2% increase, while in 2023, the adjustment was a remarkable 8.7%. However, there have been years, such as 2010, 2011, and 2016, where no COLA increase occurred at all.
In 2025, the 2.63% adjustment is smaller, reflecting lower inflation. While this may disappoint those who hoped for more, it is still an improvement over some past years when increases were minimal or nonexistent.
SSI and Other Social Security Beneficiaries
Besides SSI recipients, others receiving Social Security benefits—such as retirees and those with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)—will also see their payments adjusted according to the 2025 COLA.
For instance, the average retirement benefit is set to increase from $1,950 to $2,001, while individuals aged 62 will see their benefits rise to $2,781.
| Payment Category | 2024 Average Monthly Amount | 2.63% Increase | New 2025 Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average SSI Check | $698 | $18 | $716 |
| Individual SSI Check | $943 | $25 | $968 |
| Couples’ SSI Check | $1,415 | $37 | $1,452 |
| Essential Person Check | $472 | $12 | $484 |
| Average Retirement Check | $1,950 | $51 | $2,001 |
| Retirement Age 62 | $2,781 | $73 | $2,854 |
| Retirement Age 67 | $3,923 | $103 | $4,026 |
Summary
Although the 2.63% COLA increase may not meet everyone’s expectations, SSI beneficiaries and other Social Security recipients will still see some relief in 2025. The upcoming COLA adjustment ensures that payments keep up with inflation, but it is clear that the economic landscape has changed since the large increases of recent years.
Keep an eye out for the official COLA announcement in October 2024, which will confirm the exact payment adjustments. In the meantime, it’s essential to plan your budget and financial needs accordingly to account for this modest but meaningful increase in benefits.