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Automatic Determinations
Cost-of-Living Adjustment
COLA History
COLA effect on Social Security retirement benefits
Calculation of retirement benefits
Social Security benefit data by…
benefit type or
family type
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New beneficiaries coming onto Social Security's rolls tend to have, on average, higher
benefits than those leaving, so average benefits normally rise from month to month. This gradual
rise in average benefits is altered by abrupt increases due to annual cost-of-living
adjustments or COLAs. The COLA for December 2024 is 2.5 percent and is first payable in January 2025.
The table below provides estimated average benefits for certain
beneficiary types, at the end of December 2024.
Estimated effect of 2.5-percent COLA on
average benefits
at the end of December 2024
| Type of benefit |
Before
2.5% COLA |
After
2.5% COLA |
Increase |
| Retired worker |
$1,927 | $1,975 | $48 |
| Spouse of retired worker |
905 | 927 | 22 |
| Aged widow(er) |
1,788 | 1,833 | 45 |
| Disabled widow(er) |
929 | 952 | 23 |
| Disabled worker |
1,543 | 1,581 | 38 |
| Note: The above estimates are based on actual benefit data through September 2024. |
The table below provides estimated average benefits for selected
family types.
Estimated effect of 2.5-percent COLA on
average family benefits
at the end of December 2024
| Type of family |
Before
2.5% COLA |
After
2.5% COLA |
Increase |
| Disabled worker, spouse, and children |
$2,753 | $2,822 | $69 |
| Retired worker and aged spouse |
3,019 | 3,095 | 76 |
| Surviving child(ren) onlya |
1,439 | 1,475 | 36 |
| Aged widow(er) alone |
1,786 | 1,831 | 45 |
| Widowed mother and 2 children |
3,676 | 3,767 | 91 |
a Family with one or more children
excludes surviving parent or guardian who is ineligible to receive benefits.
Note: The above estimates are based on actual benefit data through September 2024. |
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