Social Security increase in September often raises questions about whether benefit boosts or payment changes happen midyear, especially around September.
Officially, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for Social Security take effect in January, not September.
However, some calendar quirks and policy changes can affect how recipients see increases or payment timing in September.
Does Social Security increase in September?
The Social Security increase in September is not a standard practice.
Officially, Social Security benefits receive annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) applied to payments beginning in January of the new year.
The SSA’s “Latest COLA” page confirms the 2.5 percent adjustment takes effect in December 2024 payments, payable in January 2025.
So no separate boost or COLA starts in September.
When did the 2025 COLA take effect instead of September?
Because of how Social Security is structured, the Social Security increase in September does not apply.
The 2025 COLA of 2.5 percent was determined in October 2024 and first used in December 2024 payments (for January 2025 benefits).
Thus, all benefit increases associated with COLA begin at the year’s start, not in September.
Are there exceptions when changes appear in September?
Yes, a few exceptions make the notion of a Social Security increase in September seem plausible:
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) payments: SSI payments are typically due on the first day of each month. But if the first is a weekend or holiday, payments may be made early, causing no payment in September but effectively shifting amounts. In 2025, September 1 falls on Labor Day, so SSI payments normally scheduled for September will be issued on August 29 instead.
- Payment schedule quirks: Sometimes, due to weekends or holidays, the payment for a month is sent earlier or later, which may affect when you see the increase. But the increase itself is still based on the January implementation.
How much was the COLA that affects payments including September?
The Social Security increase in September (through the COLA effect) reflects the 2.5 percent adjustment for 2025.
That adjustment adds roughly $48 to $50 to the average retired worker’s monthly benefit.
So your September 2025 check already reflects that increase because the COLA has been built into each month’s payment since January 2025.
What payment schedules apply in September?
For the typical Social Security increase in September, the payment schedule follows the usual rules:
- Retirees, disability, and survivor benefits are paid on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month, depending on your birthday (1–10 → second, 11–20 → third, 21–31 → fourth).
- SSI payments are due on the first of the month, or earlier if that day is a holiday or weekend.
So in September, ordinary Social Security payments (retirement, disability) follow the calendar, and the COLA adjustment already is embedded.
What impacts might reduce how much of the increase you see in September?
Even though there is a Social Security increase in September through COLA, several factors might reduce net gains:
- Medicare premiums and other deductions may rise and consume part of the increased amount.
- Taxes on Social Security benefits (for higher-income earners) may reduce the net benefit.
- If you have overpayments or offsets, the SSA may withhold part of the check to recover debts.
These effects apply across all months, including September, so your experienced increase might appear smaller.
How to confirm the increase in your September benefit?
If you want to verify the Social Security increase in September for your specific benefit:
- Log in to your my Social Security account and view the COLA notice or benefit estimate.
- Check your monthly statement or SSA-1099 forms to see the before/after amounts.
- Compare your 2024 vs. 2025 benefit amounts for the same month to see how much increase was applied.
- If you’re receiving SSI, check whether your September payment was shifted earlier (as in 2025) and note that the COLA will be reflected in the adjusted monthly amount.
