The average Social Security payment will rise by more than $50 per month starting in January, thanks to the federal government’s 3.2% annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. A 3.2% increase in the average Social Security check—about $1,

For most retired Americans, Social Security is more than just a check they'll receive each month. It forms a financial foundation many would struggle to live without. Every year since 2002, Gallup has conducted a survey that questions retirees' reliance on their Social Security income.

Here is the January Social Security payment schedule for retirement, disability, and survivor beneficiaries, as well as those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Those who receive Social Security payments will see a bit of a change to their regularly scheduled payments for the first couple months of 2025. In particular, those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive their first payment of 2025 this Tuesday, the final day of 2024.

January’s Supplemental Security Income payment, worth up to $943, will go out to millions of beneficiaries in three days.

Are you counting on Social Security as an important source of income in retirement? You're not alone. Nine out of 10 Americans age 65 and older are currently receiving some form of Social Security. And Gallup polling finds 58% of retired Americans consider Social Security to be a "major source" of their retirement income.

One thing soon-to-be retirees need to start looking at carefully is where they fall in terms of Social Security benefits. Whether you start taking withdrawals at 62, 67, or 70, it’s important to understand what impact Social Security withdrawals will have on your income level while retired.

You can maximize your benefits if you wait to claim Social Security until your full retirement age or older. However, claiming earlier could shrink your monthly check by as much as 30 percent. Workers can start to get Social Security retirement benefits as early as 62 years of age.