Social Security announces new increase in SSDI checks in 2024 – Here’s the exact date

Each month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes retirement, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to more than 71 million people across the U.S. Among these, millions of disabled Americans rely on SSDI for monthly support, with average benefit amounts ranging from $1,537 to $3,822. For individuals to qualify for SSDI, they must demonstrate a significant disability that limits their ability to perform gainful activity, with additional specific requirements in the case of blindness.

2024 SSDI Benefit Increase Announcement

The SSA’s projected Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025 indicates a modest rise in SSDI benefits, with an expected 2.63% increase, providing beneficiaries with a small financial bump. However, this figure is lower than last year’s 3.2% COLA and significantly below the 8.7% increase in 2023, which was driven by high inflation. The COLA adjustments, which aim to keep up with inflation, often fluctuate based on economic conditions, and the 2025 projection reflects a slowing inflation rate.

For SSDI recipients, the 2.63% increase translates to a relatively small addition. For example, a typical recipient who receives $1,537 per month would see their benefit increase by approximately $40 to a new total of $1,577. Over a full year, this adjustment means an additional $480. Individual increases, however, vary by benefit level; for example, someone receiving $500 per month would see their benefit rise to $513, while a $2,000 benefit would increase to $2,052.

Disability Benefits	Current SSDI Check	SSDI Check with 2.63% Increase
Average SSDI Benefit	$1,537	$1,577
Blind Recipient’s Benefit	$2,590	$2,658
Maximum SSDI Benefit	$3,822	$3,923

Projected Adjustments for Other Social Security Programs

Apart from SSDI, other Social Security programs like retirement and survivor benefits, along with SSI payments, will also see a 2.63% increase. Here’s how these adjustments may look across other key benefit categories:

Benefit Type	Current Average Benefit	Benefit with 2.63% Increase
Retirement Benefits
Average Retirement Benefit	$1,950	$2,001
Early Retirement (Age 62)	$2,781	$2,853
Full Retirement (Age 67)	$3,923	$4,026
Late Retirement (Age 70)	$5,001	$5,132
Survivor Benefits
Average Survivor Benefit	$1,545	$1,585
Individual Survivor	$1,820	$1,868
Two Children	$3,749	$3,847
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Average SSI Benefit	$720	$739
Individual SSI Benefit	$973	$999
Couple SSI Benefit	$1,460	$1,498
Essential Person	$487	$500

How COLA Is Calculated and Finalized

The SSA bases annual COLA adjustments on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), an inflation metric that reflects price changes for goods and services purchased by urban workers. A rise in the CPI-W signals inflation, warranting a corresponding increase in benefits to help recipients maintain purchasing power. However, if inflation remains low, the resulting COLA is typically smaller. Over recent years, COLA adjustments have varied widely, from near-zero increases in 2010, 2011, and 2016 to significant rises in 2022 and 2023, due to heightened inflation rates.

The final COLA determination for 2025 will be confirmed by the SSA in October 2024, following the latest CPI-W data. Given that COLA adjustments hinge directly on economic conditions, the exact percentage could slightly vary, though it is unlikely to deviate substantially from the 2.63% projection.

Preparing for the 2025 Adjustment

Despite this upcoming adjustment, SSDI beneficiaries may want to temper their expectations. While the additional income can help, it is substantially lower than recent increases. Keeping informed about the final COLA announcement in October and planning finances accordingly will be important as recipients assess their budgets for the coming year.