Social Security raises benefits most years, but the amount varies

Social Security adjusts benefit payments once a year to account for inflation. The increase is called a Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA. The amount you receive depends on what inflation was that year — there is no fixed $600 increase that applies to everyone.

In 2024, for example, the COLA was 3.2 percent. In 2023 it was 8.7 percent. These percentages mean different people receive different dollar amounts, because the adjustment is a percentage of what you already get, not a flat amount everyone receives.

If you receive SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you get the same COLA as everyone else on Social Security. The increase happens automatically in January each year — you do not have to do anything to receive it.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security raises all benefit amounts once a year based on inflation, not a set dollar figure like $600.
  • The COLA percentage changes each year depending on how much prices rose the previous year.
  • SSDI recipients receive the same percentage increase as retirees and other Social Security beneficiaries.
  • The increase happens automatically in January — you will see it in your next payment without filing anything.
  • Your actual dollar increase depends on your current benefit amount, so two people may receive different increases even though the percentage is the same.

How the COLA is calculated each year

The Social Security Administration looks at the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures what things cost — groceries, gas, rent, medical care, and other expenses. If prices went up 3 percent over the past year, Social Security raises all benefits by 3 percent.

The Social Security Administration announces the new COLA in October, and it takes effect the following January. You can find the current year's COLA on the Social Security website, though the exact percentage does not come out until fall.

Because the COLA is a percentage, not a flat amount, someone receiving $1,200 a month and someone receiving $2,000 a month will both get a 3 percent raise — but that is $36 for the first person and $60 for the second. Neither receives exactly $600.

Why people talk about a $600 increase

In 2022, Social Security gave the largest COLA in 40 years: 8.7 percent. For someone receiving a benefit around $1,800 a month, that 8.7 percent increase came to roughly $156. For someone receiving $3,800 a month, it was roughly $330. Some people with higher benefits may have seen increases closer to $600, but this was not universal.

News stories about that year's large increase sometimes mentioned specific dollar amounts, which led some people to expect a $600 raise every year. But that was a one-time result of unusually high inflation, not a standard increase.

What your actual increase will be

To estimate your own increase, find out what the current year's COLA is (Social Security announces it in October), then multiply your current monthly benefit by that percentage. If your benefit is $1,500 and the COLA is 3.2 percent, your increase is roughly $48 per month.

You can check your current benefit amount by logging into your Social Security account at ssa.gov, calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local Social Security office. You do not need to do anything to receive the increase — it happens automatically.

When the increase shows up in your payment

The COLA takes effect in January. If you receive SSDI, you will see the new amount in your January payment. If you receive your benefits by direct deposit, the money will arrive on your regular payment date with the new amount.

If you receive a paper check, your January check will reflect the increase. Some people receive their payments on different dates depending on their birth date, so check your Social Security statement or account to see when your specific payment arrives.

Other reasons your benefit amount might change

Your SSDI payment can change for reasons other than the annual COLA. If you return to work and earn above a certain amount, your benefit may be reduced or stop. If you reach full retirement age (which is different from your current age), your SSDI benefit converts to a retirement benefit, though the amount usually stays the same.

If your medical condition improves and Social Security determines you are no longer disabled, your benefits may end. Social Security will notify you in writing if your benefit changes for any reason other than the COLA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get a $600 increase this year?

Probably not. The $600 figure came from 2022's unusually large 8.7 percent increase. Your actual increase depends on the current year's COLA percentage and your current benefit amount. Most years the increase is smaller than $600 for most people.

Do I have to do anything to get the COLA increase?

No. The increase happens automatically in January. You do not need to contact Social Security, file anything, or take any action. It will appear in your next payment.

What if I think my increase is wrong?

Contact Social Security to review your benefit. You can call 1-800-772-1213, log into your account at ssa.gov, or visit a local office. Have your Social Security number and recent benefit statement ready.

Can I get the COLA increase if I am not yet receiving benefits?

The COLA applies to people already receiving benefits. If you are not yet receiving SSDI, the benefit amount you receive when you start will reflect the current year's rates, but you will not receive a retroactive increase for previous years.

Does the COLA increase happen every year?

Yes, Social Security adjusts benefits every January. However, in rare years when inflation is very low or negative, the COLA can be zero or close to zero, meaning no increase that year.