
One of the most important features of Social Security is the annual cost-of-living (COLA) increase, which is designed to help retirees’ income keep up with inflation. But after several years of above-average adjustments, seniors will see just a modest increase when the first payment lands in their bank account in January.
In October, Social Security announced that beneficiaries will receive a 2.5% COLA adjustment in 2025. The increase will boost the average monthly benefit to $1,976, up from $1,927 in 2024, or $3,089 for a couple who are both receiving benefits, up from $3,014 in 2024.