Social Security (retirement and survivors) recipients will now see a 2.5% increase in their next check and throughout the year. The COLA increase also extends to Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability insurance recipients.

Technically speaking, this is the 2024 COLA, as it goes into effect in December 2024. However, because Social Security is paid a month in arrears, this increase will be reflected in the payment that beneficiaries receive in January. For this reason, it is often referred to as the 2025 COLA.

The vast majority of seniors surveyed about Social Security's COLA say the number should be as much as five times higher than the government is forking over this year.

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

SSI payments usually go out on the first day of the month but are going out earlier for January, February and March.

Social Security retirement and disability benefits for 2025 will start to roll out for millions of Americans as early as Tuesday and throughout January. Why it matters: Benefits increase by 2.5% and about $50 a month but it's the lowest benefit increase in recent years.

Calendar changes mean some recipients will get January payments today. Another quirk occurs at the end of 2025.