Retirement in the United States is always a challenge and a goal for all workers who, after many years of working, have finally reached the age of eligibility for retirement. In this sense, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that retirement and disability beneficiaries will receive a 2.5% increase in their monthly payments starting in 2025. This adjustment responds to the annual increase in the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which is calculated based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) of the Department of Labor.
Social Security Payment Schedule for February 2025
According to the United States Social Security Administration (SSA), the payment schedule for February 2025 is as follows:
- Friday, January 31, 2025: Beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive their payment.
- Monday, February 3, 2025: People who started receiving benefits before May 1997 will receive their payment on this date.
- Wednesday, February 12, 2025: Payments for beneficiaries born between the 1st and the 10th of any month.
- Wednesday, February 19, 2025: Payments for beneficiaries born between the 11th and the 20th of any month.
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025: Payments for beneficiaries born between the 21st and the 31st of any month.
Thus, retirees and SSDI recipients will receive their adjusted payments in accordance with this schedule, ensuring that all beneficiaries benefit from the 2.5% COLA increase in 2025.
Increase in the Average Retirement Benefit
According to SSA data, the average benefit for retirees will increase from USD 1,907 to approximately USD 1,954 per month as of January 2025. Additionally, people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will see a proportional increase in their benefits.
For retirees who qualify for the maximum benefit at full retirement age, their monthly payment will increase from USD 4,873 to USD 5,180 per month.
Impact of COLA on Social Security
Beyond monthly payments, the COLA adjustment will also affect income limits subject to tax. In 2025, the income limit for workers of full retirement age will increase from USD 21,240 to USD 21,935. However, the SSA withholds $1 for every $2 earned above this limit. Once full retirement age is reached, there is no penalty for additional earned income.
