Confirmed: Social Security Checks Get COLA Boost on Feb 26 – See Details

Social Security COLA Payment Coming February 26 – What You Need to Know If you’re a Social Security recipient and were born between the 21st and 31st of any month , mark your calendar — your check will arrive on February 26, 2025 , along with a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) boost.

This helps millions of seniors and disabled individuals keep up with rising costs — especially food, housing and healthcare.

In this post we’ll cover everything you need to know about the upcoming payment, how much more you’ll get and what to do if you’re applying for benefits for the first time.

Let’s get started.

Social Security Checks with Cost of Living Boost on Feb 26

Topic	Details
COLA Increase	Social Security payments are set to increase by 2.5% in 2025, helping to offset inflation and the rising cost of living.
February Payment Schedule	Payments are made to recipients based on their birthdate. For February 2025, checks are scheduled as follows: – February 12: Born between 1st and 10th – February 19: Born between 11th and 20th – February 26: Born between 21st and 31st
Social Security Application Process	Apply online through the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website, creating an account, completing the application form, and submitting required documents.
Eligibility for Social Security	Eligibility is determined by your work history and the number of work credits earned. Typically, 40 credits (about 10 years of work) are needed to qualify.
Visit the SSA Website for More Info	For more information on applying and benefits, visit the official Social Security Administration website for detailed guidance.

The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2025 provides much-needed relief to Social Security beneficiaries. Whether you’re already receiving benefits or applying for the first time, understanding how to navigate the application process and the impact of COLA can help ensure you’re receiving the full benefits you’re entitled to.

What Is the Social Security COLA Increase for 2025?

Every year the Social Security Administration adjusts benefits based on inflation. This adjustment is called the Cost-of-Living Adjustment , or COLA .

For 2025 that increase is 2.5% , so you’ll see more in your check.

Here’s an example:

• If you got $1,927/month in 2024 , you’ll get around $1,976/month starting January 2025.

It’s not as big as some years but every little bit helps — especially when prices are still rising.

And the best part? You don’t have to do anything to get this increase. It’s automatic once announced.

Who Gets Their Social Security Payment on February 26?

Social Security payments are based on your birth date . Here’s the full schedule for February 2025 :

Birth Date	Payment Date
1st–10th	February 12
11th–20th	February 19
21st–31st	February 26

So if you were born on the 21st or later in any month , your COLA-adjusted payment will be in your bank on February 26 .

SSI recipients got their February payment on February 1st .

How Much More Will You Get From the COLA Boost?

The amount depends on how much you get.

Social Security beneficiaries got $1,927/month in 2024 . With a 2.5% increase , that’s $1,976/month in 2025 — a $49/month increase .

Some people may get more, depending on their individual benefit calculation and state-specific stuff.

Remember: This is just an average. Your payment could be higher or lower depending on your work history, taxes and if you delayed claiming.

How to Apply for Social Security – Step-by-Step Guide

If you haven’t started getting Social Security yet, now might be a good time — especially with the COLA bump.

Here’s how to apply:

Step 1: Create a “My Social Security” Account

Before you apply, go to the official SSA website and create a free my Social Security account. This gives you access to:

• Online application tools
• Benefit calculators
• Application status updates
• Personal earnings records

Once you set up, you can apply from home — no need to visit an office.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Next, fill out the online form. You’ll need to provide:

• Personal info (name, birth date, Social Security number)
• Work history (W-2s or self-employment records)
• Family info (if applying for spousal or dependent benefits)
• Other income sources (like pensions or disability insurance)

Make sure everything is accurate so you don’t get held up.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

You’ll also need to upload or mail in:

• Proof of age (birth certificate or passport)
• Social Security card
• Employment records
• Marriage certificate (if applying for spousal benefits)

Double check what you need before submitting so you don’t have to go back and forth.Once approved, payments start within a few months — but timing depends on when you applied and your eligibility.

Tips to Make the Process Easier

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Check Your Earnings Record

Your Social Security benefit is based on your lifetime earnings. Make sure the SSA has an accurate record by checking your statement regularly.

When to Start Benefits

You can start as early as 62 but your benefit will be reduced. Waiting until full retirement age (around 67) gets you the full benefit. Delaying further gets you an extra 8% per year — up to 70.

Taxes

Up to 85% of your Social Security benefit may be taxable depending on your total income. Plan accordingly and adjust withholding if needed.

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