In 2025, Social Security recipients will receive a boost in benefits thanks to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). For aged couples who are both receiving Social Security, this increase means an estimated average monthly payment of $3,089, up from $3,014 in 2024.
Although this adjustment doesn’t come into effect until January, recipients can start planning for the increased benefits.
2025 COLA Update for Couples
The SSA announced the 2.5% COLA increase in October 2024, with the goal of helping beneficiaries keep pace with inflation. While 2024 saw a slightly higher COLA increase of 3.2%, this year’s increase still adds valuable support for those relying on Social Security.
For aged couples where both spouses are eligible for benefits, the monthly amount will average around $3,089 starting in January 2025.
This amount applies to couples who have earned enough Social Security work credits, which generally means working for at least ten years in roles that paid into the Social Security system.
How COLA Impacts Monthly Benefits
The new average monthly payment for aged couples reflects the COLA increase, but individual benefits can vary.
If you and your spouse both qualify for Social Security, your exact monthly check will depend on your combined work histories, the age at which each spouse claimed benefits, and whether either of you also qualifies for spousal benefits.
For example, some spouses who may not have enough work credits of their own can receive spousal benefits, calculated as a percentage of the working spouse’s benefit.
| Year | COLA Increase | Average Monthly Benefit for Couples |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3.2% | $3,014 |
| 2025 | 2.5% | $3,089 |
How to Find Your Updated Benefit Amount
The Social Security Administration will notify all recipients of their updated benefit amounts in December 2024. These notices will include the adjusted amounts after the COLA increase and will be sent by mail. You can also check your updated benefits by logging into your my Social Security account online in December.
2025 Payment Schedule for Retired Couples
Social Security payments follow a monthly schedule based on birth dates. Here’s what retirees can expect for January 2025:
- January 3, 2025: Some beneficiaries will receive their payments on this date, including:
- Those who began receiving Social Security before May 1997.
- Individuals who are also collecting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) alongside Social Security retirement benefits.
For most other retirees, the payment schedule is organized by birth date, with payments on Wednesdays as follows:
- January 8: For retirees born from the 1st to the 10th.
- January 15: For retirees born from the 11th to the 20th.
- January 22: For retirees born from the 21st to the 31st.
If you’re preparing to claim your Social Security benefits, remember that the timing of your first check will depend on when you file and your eligibility for these specific payment dates.
Key Factors for Maximizing Your Benefits
If you’re nearing retirement or have a spouse who qualifies for benefits, there are a few steps you can take to optimize your Social Security payments:
- Review Work Credits: Ensure both spouses have at least 40 work credits (about ten years of work) to qualify for Social Security on individual records.
- Consider Spousal Benefits: If one spouse has a lower income history, consider spousal benefits, which can provide up to 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s full benefit.
- Check Your Statement: Review your estimated benefits through the my Social Security account to confirm your current benefit amount and explore ways to increase it before claiming.
By planning ahead, you can make sure that you and your spouse maximize the benefits available and receive the support Social Security offers as you enjoy retirement.
