New Social Security Checks and Increase for Retirees – What to Expect Next Week

Next week brings some good news for Social Security beneficiaries, particularly retirees who rely on monthly benefits to cover living expenses. Two key updates will impact these beneficiaries in the coming days. First, on Wednesday, October 9th, retirees can expect to receive a new Social Security check ranging from $1,900 to $4,873.

Then, the official announcement regarding the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be made on Wednesday, October 10th. Once the COLA percentage is confirmed, new checks reflecting the increase will be issued starting in January 2025.

Payments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages more than 70 million monthly payments for retirees, survivors, disabled people, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. To handle this volume, the SSA has developed a structured payment schedule, allowing beneficiaries to know when to expect their monthly payments based on birth dates and other factors.

Here’s the payment schedule for Social Security checks in October 2024:

• October 9th: Retirees, survivors, and disabled people who claimed benefits after May 1997 and were born between the 1st and 10th.
• October 16th: Retirees, survivors, and disabled people who claimed benefits after May 1997 and were born between the 11th and 20th.
• October 23rd: Retirees, survivors, and disabled people who claimed benefits after May 1997 and were born between the 21st and 31st.

If your payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, it’s recommended to wait at least three mailing days before contacting the SSA. Often, delays are due to bank processing times rather than SSA errors.

Check Amounts

The amount beneficiaries receive varies depending on factors like retirement age, work history, and the specific program under which they qualify. Below is a breakdown of the current average monthly payments and specific amounts for different groups:

Program	Average	Other Payments
Retirement Benefits	$1,900	Age 62: $2,710; Age 67: $3,822; Age 70: $4,873
Survivors Benefits	$1,505	Individual: $1,773; 2 Children: $3,653
Disability Benefits	$1,537	Blind Recipients: $2,590; Maximum: $3,822
SSI Benefits	$698	Individuals: $943; Couples: $1,415; Essential Person: $472

These amounts represent what recipients currently receive, but they’ll see an increase in 2025 following the COLA announcement.

COLA Increase

The anticipated cost-of-living adjustment for 2025 is expected to be around 2.5%, according to recent projections from the Senior Citizens League. Once this increase takes effect, starting in January 2025, beneficiaries can expect higher payments, as shown below:

Retirement Benefits	Current Check	New Check	Extra Income
On Average	$1,900	$1,948	$48
Age 62	$2,710	$2,778	$68
Age 67	$3,822	$3,918	$96
Age 70	$4,873	$4,995	$122

Survivor Benefits	Current Check	New Check	Extra Income
On Average	$1,505	$1,543	$38
Individual	$1,773	$1,817	$44
2 Children	$3,653	$3,744	$91

Disability Benefits	Current Check	New Check	Extra Income
On Average	$1,537	$1,575	$38
Blind Recipients	$2,590	$2,655	$65
Maximum Payment	$3,822	$3,918	$96

SSI Benefits	Current Check	New Check	Extra Income
On Average	$698	$715	$17
Individuals	$943	$967	$24
Couples	$1,415	$1,450	$35
Essential Person	$472	$484	$12

With these adjustments, beneficiaries will see a slight but meaningful increase in their monthly benefits, helping to better manage inflation and rising living costs. Keep an eye out for the official COLA announcement next week, which will provide a clearer picture of the changes ahead.

Ultimately, these updates signify positive news for retirees and other beneficiaries. Higher payments mean more financial stability, which is a welcome relief for those relying on Social Security income.

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