But when we look back at the data, it becomes clear that a 2.5% Social Security COLA isn't so terrible. In fact, it's a lot more generous than some of the COLAs beneficiaries have seen in the past. In 2024, Social Security benefits rose by 3.2%. The year prior, they increased by 8.7%. And in 2022, a 5.9% COLA came through.

In light of these numbers, it's easy to see why a 2.5% COLA for 2025 seems like a slap in the face. But you should also know that these recent COLAs were fueled by a period of ram

The next round of November's Social Security payments are headed out to recipients in a few short days. If you're expecting a check this coming week, we'll tell you when you'll get it.

When the Social Security Administration announced in October that benefits would be rising by just 2.5% in the new year, many seniors were disappointed but not particularly shocked. For months, experts had been projecting that 2025's Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) would land somewhere in that ballpark.

I have been saving up some emails from readers who want to know how other government benefits might affect their eligibility for Social Security, or vice versa. In other words,

Even if you're in line for the maximum possible benefit, you might be surprised at how much more you can get by waiting.