The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025, which will lead to an increase in benefits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI), and other Social Security beneficiaries.
Seniors and other eligible individuals can expect higher monthly payments to help them keep pace with inflation.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the $967 monthly payment, up from $943 in 2024, thanks to this COLA increase.
In this article, we’ll break down who qualifies for this new payment, the official payment dates, and how the COLA affects different Social Security programs.
Breakdown of the $967 Social Security Check
Starting in 2025, SSI recipients will see their monthly benefits increase as follows due to the 2.5% COLA:
- Individual recipients: The monthly payment will rise from $943 in 2024 to $967 in 2025.
- Eligible married couples: The payment will increase from $1,415 to $1,450.
- Essential persons (someone living with and caring for a disabled individual): Payments will increase from $472 to $483.
The COLA is designed to ensure that benefits keep pace with inflation, helping individuals maintain their purchasing power.
| Category | 2024 Payment | 2025 Payment with 2.5% COLA |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $943 | $967 |
| Eligible Married Couples | $1,415 | $1,450 |
| Essential Persons | $472 | $483 |
Eligibility for the $967 Social Security Check
To qualify for this new $967 monthly check, recipients must meet the eligibility requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI). These benefits are provided to low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and retirees under the age of 67.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Age and Disability:
- Seniors aged 65 or older or individuals with disabilities aged 18 or older are eligible.
- Income and Asset Limits:
- Applicants must have limited income and resources. SSI recipients typically cannot have more than $2,000 in assets for individuals or $3,000 for couples.
- Citizenship and Residency:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident.
- Social Security Contributions:
- For SSDI recipients, eligibility depends on your work history and contributions to Social Security through payroll taxes.
| Eligibility Criteria | SSI/SSDI |
|---|---|
| Age and Disability | 65+ or Disabled Individuals 18+ |
| Income and Asset Limits | Max $2,000 (Individual), $3,000 (Couples) |
| Citizenship and Residency | U.S. Citizen or Lawful Resident |
| Social Security Contributions | Required for SSDI |
Official Payment Dates for the New $967 Check
The SSA has confirmed the payment schedule for 2024-2025, which will include several key dates for SSI and SSDI beneficiaries. For those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the next payments will occur on:
- Friday, November 1, 2024
- Friday, November 29, 2024 (this is an advance for December due to the weekend)
- Tuesday, December 31, 2024 (an advance payment for January 2025 due to a holiday)
For other Social Security beneficiaries, including retirement, survivor, and disability beneficiaries, payments will follow the regular Social Security payment schedule, typically distributed on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month based on your birth date.
| Month | SSI Payment Date | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | November 1, November 29 | November 29 is an advance for December |
| December 2024 | December 31 | Advance payment for January 2025 |
COLA’s Impact on Social Security Programs
The 2.5% COLA increase is crucial for maintaining the purchasing power of Social Security benefits, especially for seniors, disabled individuals, and other beneficiaries on fixed incomes. Here’s how the COLA impacts different Social Security programs:
- Retirement Benefits: The average monthly benefit for retirees will increase from $1,900 to $1,948. The maximum payment for someone retiring at age 70 will rise from $4,873 to $4,995.
- Survivor Benefits: The average survivor benefit will rise from $1,505 to $1,543. Families with two children could receive up to $3,744, an increase from $3,653.
- Disability Benefits: The average monthly payment for SSDI beneficiaries will increase from $1,537 to $1,575. The maximum benefit will increase to $3,918.
| Program | 2024 Payment | 2025 Payment | COLA Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retirement (Age 70) | $4,873 | $4,995 | +$122 |
| Survivor (2 Children) | $3,653 | $3,744 | +$91 |
| Disability (Blind) | $2,590 | $2,655 | +$65 |
How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits
If you want to maximize your Social Security benefits, consider the following tips:
- Delay Claiming: The longer you wait to claim your Social Security benefits, the higher your monthly payments. For example, delaying until age 70 can maximize your benefit.
- Work Longer: The more years you work and contribute to Social Security, the higher your benefits will be. Your benefit is calculated based on your 35 highest-earning years.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of COLA adjustments and other changes to Social Security rules to ensure you receive the maximum possible benefit.
The $967 check coming in 2025 is a welcome financial boost for SSI, SSDI, and other Social Security beneficiaries, reflecting a 2.5% COLA increase.
Whether you’re receiving retirement, survivor, or disability benefits, the increase will help maintain your purchasing power amid rising inflation.
Be sure to stay updated on payment dates, eligibility, and other details to maximize the benefits available to you.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $967 Social Security check?
Seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income recipients who qualify for SSI or SSDI will receive the $967 check in 2025.
When will the $967 payments be made?
The payments will be issued monthly in 2025, with specific SSI payments on November 1, November 29, and December 31, 2024 as advances for future months.
What is COLA, and why is it important?
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases Social Security benefits to keep pace with inflation, preventing beneficiaries from losing purchasing power.
How much will other Social Security beneficiaries receive in 2025?
The average retirement benefit will increase to $1,948, and the maximum for someone retiring at age 70 will be $4,995.
How can I maximize my Social Security benefits?
Delay claiming benefits until age 70, work for at least 35 years, and stay informed about COLA adjustments to maximize your benefits.
