Millions of Americans noticed more money in their Social Security payments this month. While there hasn’t been a surprise stimulus or one-time bonus, several key changes are driving the increases.
Here’s a breakdown of why some beneficiaries received extra money in July—and how to find out if you’re one of them.
COLA increase added to 2025 monthly payments
The Social Security Administration (SSA) implemented a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) starting in January 2025. While this adjustment began months ago, its effect continues to be felt in every monthly check this year.
- The average monthly benefit for retired workers rose from $1,927 to $1,976, an increase of about $49.
- This COLA is based on inflation data from 2024 and helps offset rising consumer prices.
Fairness Act boosts payments for former public employees
Starting in April 2025, the SSA began phasing in changes from the Social Security Fairness Act—a law that eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
These two rules previously reduced Social Security payments for public workers who also received a pension. Their repeal has led to:
- Increases averaging $360/month for WEP-affected beneficiaries
- Increases between $700 and $1,190/month for those previously subject to GPO
- Retroactive payments for those eligible since April
Beneficiaries impacted by these changes saw the higher payment reflected in their July deposit, along with any COLA adjustment.
Who received extra money this month?
You may have noticed more money in your July payment if:
- You were already receiving benefits and qualified for the 2.5% COLA
- You are a retired teacher, firefighter, or public worker previously impacted by WEP or GPO
- You became newly eligible for full payments under the Fairness Act
Payment examples for July 2025
| Recipient Type | COLA Increase | Fairness Act Boost | Total Monthly Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average retiree | +$49 | N/A | +$49 |
| Retired public worker (WEP) | +$49 | +$360 | +$409 |
| Survivor with spousal benefits (GPO) | +$49 | +$700–$1,190 | +$749–$1,239 |
How to check your July payment details
To find out exactly what you received and why, follow these steps:
- Log in to your my Social Security account
- Check your bank account for direct deposit records
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if your payment hasn’t arrived or looks incorrect
What’s ahead for August payments
Looking ahead, Social Security and SSI payments will continue on the regular schedule:
- August 1: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- August 14: Birthdays 1st–10th
- August 21: Birthdays 11th–20th
- August 28: Birthdays 21st–31st
SSA is also rolling out 24/7 access upgrades to its online portal by the end of July, which will allow users to manage benefits more efficiently.
Key takeaways
- Extra money in July came from a 2.5% COLA and payment increases due to the Fairness Act
- Public workers impacted by WEP/GPO saw some of the biggest boosts
- You can check your payment history online or contact SSA if something looks off
For more updates, visit our Social Security and Personal Finance tag pages. For additional information, see the SSA official website.
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