Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) isn't the only notable change to America's top retirement program in 2025.

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.

A 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment, Medicare Part B premiums and tax liabilities are key changes to watch for that affect 2025 Social Security benefits.

But a 2.5% COLA for 2025 stings because it's the smallest one to arrive in years. At the start of 2024, seniors on Social Security saw their benefits increase by 3.2%. And the year prior, Social Security recipients got a record-breaking 8.7% COLA. So a raise of just 2.5% seems awfully meager by comparison.

Starting in January 2025, Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), marking the smallest increase since 2021. This modest adjustment reflects a positive

Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5% increase in their benefits starting in 2025. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is the lowest since January 2021, which saw a 1.3% adjustment. The average recipient will see an increase of about $50 per month.

The reason Social Security benefits are eligible for an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) each year is that without an inflation-based boost, seniors would be guaranteed to lose buying power from one year to the next.