Social Security payments are a lifeline for millions of Americans, providing much-needed financial support for retirees, disabled individuals, and others in need.
For 2025, Social Security recipients were expecting a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase, designed to help combat inflation and rising living costs. However, some people have found that their Social Security payments arrived without the expected COLA bump.
If you’ve received your Social Security payment but haven’t noticed the COLA increase, don’t worry. There are a few steps you can take to check and make sure you’re receiving the correct amount.
What is the COLA Bump?
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is a yearly increase in Social Security benefits, designed to help recipients maintain their purchasing power as prices rise due to inflation.
Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates the COLA based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the cost of a range of goods and services. This increase is particularly important for seniors and individuals living on fixed incomes.
For 2025, Social Security recipients were expecting an increase of 3.2%, which was designed to keep up with the rising costs of living. However, some may find that their payment doesn’t reflect this adjustment.
Why Didn’t You Get the COLA Increase?
If your payment didn’t include the COLA increase, it could be due to a few reasons:
- Payment Timing: If your payment is due in early 2025, it might have been processed before the COLA adjustment was applied.
- Bank Processing Delays: Sometimes, delays in processing by banks or the SSA can result in payments being issued without the COLA bump initially.
- Incorrect Processing by SSA: While rare, human errors or issues with automated systems can sometimes cause problems with payments.
How to Check If You Got the COLA Bump?
Here’s how you can check to see if your Social Security payment includes the COLA increase:
- Look at Your Payment Notice: The Social Security Administration sends out a notice each year, outlining your benefits and the COLA increase. If you haven’t received this notice, you can check your payment history through your Social Security online account.
- Check the Payment Amount: Compare the amount you received with the expected increase. If your monthly payment is higher than last year, it likely includes the COLA bump. If not, further investigation is needed.
- Use the SSA Online Portal: The SSA has an online portal where you can log in and view detailed information about your benefits. This will show whether the COLA increase has been applied to your account.
- Call the SSA: If you can’t figure it out on your own, or if there’s an issue with your payment, call the Social Security Administration at their toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213. They can assist you in understanding your payment and resolving any issues.
What to Do If You Didn’t Get the COLA Bump?
If after checking you discover that your payment is missing the COLA adjustment, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue:
- Review Your Social Security Account: Make sure that your details are up to date. Sometimes, discrepancies arise due to errors in your account information.
- Contact the SSA Immediately: If you can’t figure out what’s wrong, the SSA can provide assistance. They may be able to correct the mistake and issue a payment with the COLA adjustment.
- File a Report: If there’s a mistake with your benefits or you suspect fraud, you can file a report with the SSA to get the issue addressed as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to keep an eye on your Social Security payments to ensure you’re receiving the correct amount, especially with the COLA increase.
While errors do happen, the Social Security Administration is usually quick to fix problems once they are reported. By following the steps above, you can ensure that you’re getting the COLA bump you deserve.