Tue Mar 25 19:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Social Security Sends Out Millions in COLA-Boosted Payments and Retroactive Benefits

**Washington, D.C. – March 26, 2025** – The Social Security Administration (SSA) is issuing payments to millions of beneficiaries today, March 26th, including a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase reflecting a boost to monthly benefits to combat inflation. While some headlines have suggested “stimulus checks” of up to $5,108, the payments are primarily the result of the annual COLA increase and retroactive payments stemming from recent legislation.

Retirees, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefit recipients born between the 21st and 31st of any month who began receiving benefits after May 1997 are receiving their payments today. The average retirement benefit has increased to approximately $2,025 per month, up from $1,976, while the average SSDI benefit is now around $1,660. Maximum monthly payments for those retiring at age 70 now reach $5,108.

The significant increase for some recipients is due to the Social Security Fairness Act, passed in January 2025. This act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), impacting over 3.2 million beneficiaries with non-covered pensions. Retroactive payments averaging $6,710, covering benefits withheld since December 2023, are being issued to these eligible individuals. These retroactive payments may arrive with today’s payment or separately by the end of March. Future monthly payments for those affected by the WEP/GPO repeal will reflect the increased amounts.

The SSA encourages beneficiaries to check their “my Social Security” account or the SSA’s Fairness Act page for personalized benefit information. The exact amounts received vary based on individual work history, retirement age, and eligibility under the Fairness Act. While the maximum possible payment is $5,108, this is only for those retiring at age 70. Most retirees will receive the COLA-adjusted amount, around $2,025 if born between the 21st and 31st of the month, along with any applicable retroactive payment.

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