The Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing for its annual announcement of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) on October 10, 2024, which will impact payments for millions of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries. With the expected COLA adjustment, SSDI recipients could see an increase in their monthly payments by 2025, aimed at addressing inflation and rising costs of living.
What is the COLA adjustment?
The COLA is a yearly adjustment made by the SSA to help Social Security payments keep up with inflation. This adjustment is determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Historically, the SSA announces the COLA each October, and the adjustment is applied to benefits starting in January of the following year.
The projected increase for 2025 is about 2.5%, which would mark a smaller adjustment compared to the 3.2% increase received in 2024. Despite its modest size, the increase is still critical for many beneficiaries who rely on Social Security as a significant part of their income.
SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries affected
SSDI beneficiaries, who include disabled workers and their families, will benefit from this adjustment. The average monthly payment for disabled workers currently stands at approximately $1,575, and with a 2.5% COLA increase, beneficiaries could see an extra $38 added to their monthly checks, bringing the average payment to $1,613.
Survivor and blind recipients
In addition to SSDI beneficiaries, the COLA adjustment will affect those receiving survivor benefits. The average monthly benefit for survivors is currently around $1,505, and with the adjustment, this will rise to $1,543, representing an additional $38 per month. Those receiving disability benefits, especially blind individuals, will also see their payments increase.
| Survivor benefits | Social Security checks | 2.5% COLA increase | Extra income |
| On average | $1,505 | $1,543 | $38 |
| Individual | $1,773 | $1,817 | $44 |
| 2 children | $3,653 | $3,744 | $91 |
| Disability benefits | Social Security checks | 2.5% COLA increase | Extra income |
| On average | $1,537 | $1,575 | $38 |
| Blind recipients | $2,590 | $2,655 | $65 |
| Maximum payment | $3,822 | $3,918 | $96 |
Payment dates for January 2025
Following the SSA’s official announcement of the COLA on October 10, payments will begin in January 2025. The payment schedule for SSDI and SSI beneficiaries is determined by the recipient’s birthdate. For example, those born between the 1st and 10th of the month will receive their payments on January 8, 2025, while those born later in the month will receive their payments on subsequent Wednesdays
