How to Get a Higher Than Average Boost with the COLA Increase – Check Eligibility

How to Get a Higher Than Average Boost with the COLA Increase: For millions of Americans, the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase is a much-anticipated event that helps their Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits keep pace with inflation. In recent years, COLA increases have been more substantial due to rising inflation, providing an important financial boost to beneficiaries. But did you know there are ways to maximize your COLA increase or even receive a higher-than-average boost? This article explores how COLA works, who is eligible for a higher-than-average boost, and what steps you can take to ensure you’re getting the maximum increase possible in 2025 and beyond.

How to Get a Higher Than Average Boost with the COLA Increase

The COLA increase is a crucial adjustment that helps Social Security and SSI recipients keep up with inflation. While the increase is generally welcomed, it’s important to take proactive steps to maximize the financial impact of these annual adjustments. By ensuring your earnings record is accurate, considering the timing of your Social Security claims, and reviewing your income and assets, you can get a higher-than-average boost when the COLA increase is applied.

For those receiving SSI or Social Security benefits, staying informed and reviewing your options annually can help you optimize the financial benefits of the COLA increase. Remember, it’s always a good idea to visit the official Social Security Administration website for the most current updates and information on COLA adjustments.

Understanding the COLA Increase

The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is an annual adjustment to Social Security and SSI benefits designed to ensure that recipients’ purchasing power doesn’t diminish due to inflation. Essentially, COLA increases are based on the inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates the inflation rate from the third quarter of the previous year to the third quarter of the current year. If inflation has increased, the COLA adjustment kicks in. The result is a percentage increase in monthly benefits, which can be a significant help, especially during times of high inflation.

For example, in 2023, Social Security recipients saw an 8.7% COLA increase, the highest in over 40 years. In 2025, experts are projecting a more modest increase of 3.0%, but it still represents an important financial boost for those relying on benefits.

Who Is Eligible for Average Boost with the COLA Increase?

The good news is that if you are receiving Social Security or SSI benefits, you’re eligible for a COLA increase. Here are the key categories of beneficiaries who receive COLA adjustments:

1. Social Security Retirees: If you’re a retired individual receiving Social Security benefits, you will receive COLA adjustments to your monthly payment. The exact amount depends on the current inflation rate and your benefit amount.
2. Disabled Individuals: If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI, your benefits will also be adjusted based on COLA. Disability recipients may see increases in their benefits, which is particularly important for those with long-term conditions who may not be able to work.
3. Survivors: Family members of deceased workers who are receiving survivor benefits (widows, widowers, or children) are also eligible for COLA increases.
4. SSI Recipients: People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are also eligible for COLA adjustments. Since SSI benefits are already low, these adjustments are especially crucial to help recipients maintain a basic standard of living.

How to Maximize Your COLA Increase?

While you cannot directly control the COLA increase percentage, there are steps you can take to maximize the financial benefit from this adjustment. Below are a few strategies to ensure you’re getting the most out of your COLA increase.

1. Make Sure Your Earnings Record Is Accurate

The amount of your Social Security benefit is based on your lifetime earnings record, which the SSA uses to calculate your benefits. A higher lifetime earnings record generally results in a higher Social Security benefit.

• Tip: Regularly check your earnings record by creating a My Social Security account. If you notice any errors or missing income, contact the SSA to get them corrected. Missing earnings can result in a lower benefit amount and, therefore, a smaller COLA increase.

You can request a statement of your earnings and review your work history at the SSA’s official website: Social Security Earnings Statement.

2. Consider Your Timing for Retirement

The age at which you choose to begin receiving Social Security benefits plays a big role in the amount you ultimately receive. Delaying your benefits beyond your full retirement age (typically age 66 or 67) can increase your monthly benefit, including the effect of COLA increases.

• Full Retirement Age (FRA): If you claim benefits at full retirement age (FRA), you will receive 100% of the monthly benefit you are entitled to.
• Delayed Retirement: If you delay taking benefits beyond your FRA (up to age 70), your benefit will increase by 8% each year. The COLA increase will be applied to this higher benefit, potentially giving you a larger monthly payment.

3. Maximize Your Earnings in Your Career

Since Social Security benefits are based on your top 35 years of earnings, maximizing your income over the course of your career can lead to higher benefits when you retire. If you’re still working and earning, make sure you are contributing the maximum to Social Security.

• Tip: Review your income each year and aim to hit the Social Security maximum taxable earnings (which was $160,200 in 2023). By doing so, you can increase your future Social Security benefits, which will also be adjusted by the COLA increase.

4. Review Your Income and Assets for SSI Eligibility

For those receiving SSI, eligibility is based on income and resources. If your income or assets are higher than the eligibility thresholds, your SSI benefits (and therefore your COLA) could be reduced. It’s important to review your income and assets regularly to ensure you’re maximizing your SSI benefits.

• Income Limit for SSI: As of 2025, the monthly income limit for an individual is $1,134 and $1,920 for couples.
• Resource Limit for SSI: You cannot have more than $2,000 in resources for individuals and $3,000 for couples.

If your income or assets fluctuate, be sure to report changes to the SSA promptly.

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Common Questions About COLA and Maximizing Your Increase

1. How often does COLA occur?

COLA increases are applied once a year, typically starting in January, based on inflation data collected from the previous year.

2. Can I receive a higher-than-average COLA?

While COLA adjustments are based on inflation, the amount you receive can be impacted by your earnings history and when you claim benefits. Maximizing your career earnings and delaying your claim can result in higher benefits, which, in turn, would get a higher COLA adjustment.

3. Will COLA always cover inflation?

COLA increases are intended to help benefits keep pace with inflation, but they may not always fully cover all of your increased living costs. In times of significant inflation, the COLA adjustment may not be enough to fully offset the rise in living expenses.

4. What is the COLA for 2025?

While the exact COLA increase for 2025 has not been announced yet, estimates based on current inflation trends predict it to be around 3.0%.