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.

Last month, the Social Security Administration revealed that benefits will receive a 2.5% COLA increase in 2025

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.

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.

An important aspect of Social Security benefits is the monthly payouts increase they receive in most years to (somewhat) keep up with inflation. This is called the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

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.

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.