Question: This is my first year on Social Security. Do I have to update any forms to get the COLA? I think this is a scam, but I thought I should check.

Social Security benefits will arguably lose buying power next year because the 2.5% COLA understates inflation.

In December, SSI recipients will receive their payments a day early – Dec. 31 – because Jan. 1 is the New Year’s Day holiday. These checks will reflect two different amounts because the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment increase will apply to the payment made on Dec. 31.

Medicare Part B premiums are rising again in 2025. The jump outpaces both Social Security's 2025 COLA and inflation, further squeezing seniors.

The most direct and obvious effect of the new COLA is the increase in monthly benefits. If your monthly Social Security benefit is $1,000 this year, it will be $1,025 starting in January 2025. If it's $2,000 now, it'll be $2,050.

This double SSI check is due to Dec. 1 falling on a Sunday this year. Recipients, who usually receive their checks the first of the month, will get their November payment on Nov. 1, and their SSI payments for December will be distributed on Friday, Nov. 29, according to the SSA calendar.