Social Security beneficiaries have some changes coming in December and January, due to quirks of the calendar and a payment hike.

The Social Security Administration has announced several changes set to go into effect next year to address inflation and the financial stability for more than 70 million recipients. The changes are set to affect those who retire, those who receive disability payments and Veterans Affairs benefits, and others who rely on Social Security benefits.

Arguably, the biggest change coming to Social Security in 2025 is the annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. To be sure, inflation has cooled off considerably, and as a result, the COLA that goes into effect for 2025 isn't nearly as large of an increase as those of the past few years.

The Social Security Administration is making a major operational change starting in January. Beginning in the new year, appointments will be required for in-person visits at Social Security offices, something the agency said will “reduce wait times, streamline service delivery and improve the overall customers experience.”

Social Security payments receive annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to protect the purchasing power of benefits from inflation. Americans have ranked inflation as their most pressing financial concern for three consecutive years,

The Social Security Administration has revealed changes set to impact over 70 million recipients in 2025, including retirees, veterans, and disabled individuals. Among the most notable updates is a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to keep payments aligned with inflation and safeguard purchasing power.