Social Security Checks with COLA Boost Arriving on May 26 – Here’s How to Apply

Published On: May 4, 2025

If you were born between the 21st and 31st of any month, your May 2025 Social Security payment will land on May 26—and it’s coming with a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This small but important bump is designed to help you keep up with the rising costs of housing, food, and other daily expenses.

Whether you’re already receiving benefits or looking to apply for the first time, this guide explains what the COLA means, who gets paid when, and how to complete the Social Security application process step by step.

Boost

The 2.5% COLA increase for 2025 is based on inflation data from the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). This annual adjustment ensures that Social Security recipients maintain their purchasing power as costs rise.

Example:

If you were receiving $1,927 a month before the COLA…
Your new monthly payment is about $1,976 starting January 2025.
That’s an increase of $49/month or nearly $600 per year.

Though this year’s adjustment isn’t the highest, every bit helps, especially for retirees and others on fixed incomes.

Schedule

Here’s when you’ll receive your May 2025 Social Security payment, based on your birth date:

Birth Date Range	Payment Date
1st–10th	May 12, 2025
11th–20th	May 19, 2025
21st–31st	May 26, 2025

If you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment was sent earlier—on May 1, 2025.

Importance

COLA isn’t just a number—it’s a lifeline. For many seniors and disabled individuals, Social Security is the main source of income. When everyday items like groceries, rent, and medicine go up in price, that 2.5% helps cover the difference.

The best part? You don’t need to do anything to get it. If you’re already receiving benefits, the increase is automatically applied to your payments.

Apply

If you haven’t applied for Social Security yet, now’s a great time to start. The process is simpler than ever and can be done entirely online.

Step 1

Go to the SSA website and set up your account. This gives you access to tools where you can:

Apply for benefits
Track your application
View your earnings record
Manage your payments

Step 2

Once your account is set up, start your application. You’ll be asked for:

Your name, Social Security number, and date of birth
Work history details
Family information (if applying for spousal or dependent benefits)
Info about other income or benefits

Step 3

To verify your information, you’ll need to provide:

Proof of age (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
Social Security number
W-2 or tax records
Legal documents like a marriage certificate (if needed)

Step 4

The SSA will review your application and notify you of the decision. Payments typically start within a few months after approval, depending on the type of benefit and your eligibility.

Tips

Want to make sure you get the most from Social Security? Keep these tips in mind:

Review Your Earnings Record

Log into your SSA account and make sure your work history is accurate. Any mistake can affect how much you’re paid.

Time Your Claim Wisely

You can start collecting benefits as early as age 62, but your checks will be smaller. Waiting until your full retirement age (usually 66 or 67) or age 70 gets you more money each month.

Plan for Taxes

Depending on your income, part of your Social Security benefits may be taxed. If you have a pension, IRA withdrawals, or wages, you might owe federal taxes on up to 85% of your benefits.

Social Security remains a critical part of retirement income, and the COLA increase in 2025 provides a welcome cushion for millions. Whether you’re awaiting your next payment or just getting ready to apply, staying informed helps you make the most of every dollar.