Social Security SSI increase for 2025 - exact percentage and when it hits accounts?

Thanks! Do you know if that's the same increase amount for regular Social Security retirement benefits too or just SSI?

Thanks for explaining! I've been waiting for my retirement increase too and was confused about why my January payment wasn't higher. Now I understand it's because my payment date is the 3rd Wednesday. Do they send the COLA notices by mail or email?

The COLA notices are typically sent by mail in early December. If your sister didn't receive one, she can log into her my Social Security account at ssa.gov to see her new benefit amount. The notice should show both her previous payment amount and the new amount after the COLA increase.

I totally get your frustration! The 3.2% COLA for 2025 feels inadequate compared to real-world price increases. Unfortunately, SSA uses a specific formula based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the 3rd quarter of the previous year. Many advocates argue this doesn't accurately reflect the expenses seniors and disabled people actually face. For your mom on SSI, the maximum monthly payment went from $943 to $973 for individuals with the 2025 COLA, which is indeed about $30. It's especially tough for SSI recipients since they have such strict resource limits ($2,000 for individuals) and can't really save or prepare for inflation.

EXACTLY!! My mom cant even have more than $2000 in her account or they cut her off! How is she supposed to save for emergencies?? And they count EVERYTHING against her... my brother tried to help her with groceries and they counted it as "income"! The whole system is designed to keep people poor!!!

Thanks for all this info! She was expecting a bigger increase too. Is there a way to check if our state gives extra SSI money? We're in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania does provide a small state supplement to SSI recipients. For individuals living independently, it's $22.10 per month on top of the federal payment. So your sister's total maximum SSI should be around $995.10 ($973 federal + $22.10 state supplement). The state supplement doesn't always increase with COLA though. If she has questions about her specific payment, I'd recommend trying to reach SSA directly. Many people have had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a representative without the hours-long wait times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. It's been helpful for getting specific answers about payment amounts and discrepancies.

When did u see the increase? I'm still waiting for mine

Yes, you'll receive the same 3.2% COLA increase. Since your payment date is January 24th, that payment will include your increase. SSDI follows the same payment schedule as retirement benefits (based on birth date). The increase is automatic - you don't need to do anything to receive it.

Tell her to check if she qualifies for SNAP benefits too if she hasnt already! My mom gets about $180/month for food on top of her SSI and it helps A LOT. Also worth checking into energy assistance programs in your area!