The Social Security Administration (SSA) has shared important updates for May 2025 that affect millions of people across the United States. These updates include changes for retirees, people receiving disability benefits (SSDI), and Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiaries.
With inflation still impacting daily costs, these adjustments are aimed at helping people manage their monthly budgets better. If you’re receiving any type of Social Security benefit, it’s important to know how these changes affect you.
Key Changes in May 2025: What You Need to Know
Starting May 2025, Social Security is continuing with updates that were introduced earlier in the year. These include:
2.5% COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) Applied
All Social Security payments now include a 2.5% increase through the COLA adjustment, which started in January 2025. This increase was based on the inflation data from 2024 and helps protect the value of monthly benefits.
Whether you’re a retiree, disabled, or receiving VA-related Social Security payments, your May payment will reflect this full COLA boost.
May 2025 Payment Dates Based on Birthdays
The SSA follows a birth-date-based schedule for monthly payments. Here’s the schedule for May 2025:
May 7 – for those born between the 1st and 10th
May 14 – for those born between the 11th and 20th
May 21 – for those born between the 21st and 31st
This system helps the SSA manage payments for over 70 million beneficiaries each month. All payments in May will include the 2.5% COLA increase, as already seen in previous months of 2025.
Retirement Age Under Review
There are discussions within the SSA about increasing the full retirement age in the future. While no official changes have been made yet, proposals suggest that it might gradually shift from 67 to 68 or even 70 years.
This change aims to keep the Social Security system financially stable as people are now living longer. Beneficiaries nearing retirement age should stay informed in case the rules change in upcoming years.
Taxable Earnings Cap Increased
High-income earners are now contributing more into Social Security. The taxable earnings cap has increased from $160,200 in 2024 to $176,100 in 2025.
This means that those earning above the 2024 limit will now be taxed on a higher portion of their income, which helps support future payouts for retirees and others.
Special Updates for SSDI and VA Beneficiaries
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
SSDI beneficiaries continue to receive their payments on the same birthday-based schedule. The 2.5% COLA has also been applied to all SSDI checks. People who rely on SSDI due to a medical condition will benefit from slightly higher monthly income to cope with rising expenses.
Veterans Receiving SSA or VA Benefits
Veterans who qualify for both SSA and VA benefits will continue to receive both payments separately. Any increases through COLA apply to SSA payments only, but VA benefits may also see separate cost-of-living updates handled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Check Your “My Social Security” Account
SSA recommends that all beneficiaries log into their “My Social Security” accounts online. This portal allows you to:
- Check your exact payment dates
- See your new benefit amount
- Update personal details
- Track your payment history
This is the best way to stay informed and avoid missing updates or payment issues.
The Social Security Administration has made important adjustments in May 2025 to support people dealing with inflation and rising living costs. With the 2.5% COLA increase, updated payment schedules, and discussions about retirement age changes, it’s important to stay alert and informed.
Whether you’re retired, living with a disability, or receiving VA-related benefits, these updates ensure that your monthly income keeps up with the times. Don’t forget to use the My Social Security account to track your payment details and get the most from your benefits.
