If you receive a social security disability pension (SSDI), you will no doubt want to know how much your SSDI exams is likely to rise in the coming year. Although we won't know the official Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 until October, preliminary estimates give us an idea of ​​what to expect. Estimates from the nonpartisan seniors advocacy group The Senior Citizens League suggest the COLA for 2025 will be about 2.5%. Generally, this forecast is based on the Labor Department's Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, also known as the CPI-W.

The list of states with the largest increase in SSDI checks

In August 2024, pensioners will receive Social security benefits earned an average of $1,920.48 per month. For example, the new monthly payment of $1,968.49 would be $48.01 higher if the expected 2.5% increase occurs. This increase is in line with the historical average of 2.6% over the past 20 years, but is far less than the record COLA of 8.7% in 2023. In addition, the significant adjustment in 2023 resulting from recent sharp spikes in inflation has faded, bringing the COLA for the following year closer to long-term averages.

Although the 2.5% increase forecast for this year will not be as dramatic as last year, it still represents SSDI receiver a little support to keep up with the rising cost of living. It's important to remember that the amount of the COLA increase you get in your pocket can depend on many factors, such as Medicare premiums. In 2025, the regular Medicare Part B premium is expected to increase by an estimated $10.30 per month. However, this could mitigate the impact of the COLA for those Social Security recipients whose premiums are deducted directly from their benefits.

It is not too difficult to determine how the official COLA will affect your SSDI checks once it is issued. If the 2.5% increase continues in 2025 and you currently receive $2,000 per month, you should expect your check to include an additional $50 per month. Finally, remember that the new Medicare Premium Rates will be announced soon, before the final COLA estimates are confirmed in December. You can better prepare for any changes to your benefits in 2025 by keeping an eye on these updates.

How much will beneficiaries receive in SSDI checks when the 2.5% COLA increase takes effect?

Every month Social Security Administration sends payments to more than 70 million recipients in the United States, but not all recipients receive the same amount. Depending on the program they qualify for and various factors, recipients receive an average payment or other maximum amounts available. To understand how much money recipients will receive with this annual increase, please read the information below:

As you can see, those recipients who are entitled to the maximum benefit payments under each program. In other words, retirees who deferred benefits until age 70 can receive an additional $122 in monthly income, disabled people who qualify for SSDI checks will get $96, and survivors will get $91. Finally, the beneficiaries who would receive the smallest increase are couples who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is the maximum SSI payment; they will still only earn an additional $35 compared to the other program starting in January 2025.