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In recent months, rumors have circulated about a $600 increase in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for May 2025.
These claims have sparked confusion and concern among recipients. However, upon closer examination, these assertions are misleading.
Understanding the 2025 COLA adjustment
The Social Security istration (SSA) announced a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, which began in January.
This adjustment is designed to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation and rising living costs. For the average recipient, this translates to an annual increase of approximately $600. It's important to note that this is an annual total, not a one-time payment.
The COLA applies to all Social Security beneficiaries as of December 2024, including retirees, disabled individuals, survivors, and SSI recipients.
No separate application was required; the adjustment was applied automatically in January payments. If you're newly applying for SSI or SSDI in 2025, your starting benefit amount already includes the 2.5% increase.
Clarifying the $600 figure
The "$600 increase" refers to the average additional benefit a person will receive over the entire year, not a one-time payment or new increase arriving in May.
For example, a retiree receiving $2,400 per month before the COLA will now receive about $2,460-a $60 increase per month, or $720 over 12 months. SSI recipients generally receive less, so their monthly boost will be smaller, but still meaningful. The exact amount depends on your prior benefit level and eligibility.
Beware of scams
Due to the significant attention this adjustment has garnered, scammers have seized the opportunity to exploit beneficiaries. They may impersonate SSA officials and claim that you need to take action to receive the COLA increase. The SSA has warned that such offers are fraudulent and that you should never share personal or financial information in response to unsolicited communications.
The SSA advises that it will never demand immediate payments, threaten arrests, or request gift cards or cryptocurrency. If someone demands these things or threatens you over the phone, they are not with SSA. When in doubt, hang up.
If you suspect you might be getting scammed, stop all communications. Visit ssa.gov to research or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm that the correspondence is legitimate before taking action.