Millions of Americans who receive Social Security benefits will see adjusted payment dates and increased amounts ahead of Thanksgiving 2025. The Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed that payments will be issued on or before November 26, ensuring no delays due to the holiday.
Social Security Payment
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2025 COLA Increase | 2.5% adjustment to monthly benefits |
| Average Monthly Retirement Benefit | $1,976 after COLA |
| November Payment Schedule | Final payment on November 26, 2025 |
| SSI November Payment | Issued on October 31 due to weekend |
| WEP & GPO Status | Repealed in January 2025 |
| Official Website | SSA |
Experts expect future COLA adjustments to remain lower than the record increases of 2022 and 2023. Still, the 2025 COLA, early payments, and eligibility changes provide added support for millions of retirees, disabled workers, and low-income households.
“The COLA may be modest, but its impact is significant for seniors on fixed incomes,” said Mark Miller, an economist at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. “Timely payments during the holiday season are critical for financial stability.”
COLA Adjustment Boosts Benefits for 2025
The 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), announced in October 2024, raised the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit from $1,927 to $1,976 beginning in January 2025. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments also increased to a federal maximum of $967 for individuals.
“COLA helps seniors and people with disabilities keep pace with rising costs,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “Our goal is to ensure that beneficiaries receive their payments on time and in full.”
This adjustment reflects inflation trends over the previous 12 months, based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.
Payment Schedule Around Thanksgiving 2025
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Because federal offices and banks close on that day, SSA will issue November payments in advance.
Under the standard payment schedule:
- Birthdays on the 1st–10th: Wednesday, November 12
- Birthdays on the 11th–20th: Wednesday, November 19
- Birthdays on the 21st–31st: Wednesday, November 26
For SSI recipients, since November 1 is a Saturday, payments will be issued on Friday, October 31, the prior business day.
Repeal of WEP and GPO Expands Eligibility
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduced benefits for some public-sector retirees, were repealed in January 2025 under the Social Security Fairness Act. This affects around 2 million beneficiaries.
“This repeal represents one of the largest benefit restorations in recent history,” said Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works. “Many retirees will see their full earned benefits for the first time in decades.”
According to SSA, the repeal could increase individual monthly benefits by several hundred dollars for many recipients.
Overpayment Recovery Rules Revised
In April 2025, SSA changed its overpayment recovery policy. Instead of withholding up to 100 percent of a monthly benefit to recover overpayments, the agency now withholds a maximum of 50 percent.
“These revisions aim to balance program integrity with compassion for those who rely on these payments,” said Senator Sherrod Brown during a congressional hearing.
Eligibility and Earnings Limits
Eligibility rules remain the same in 2025. Beneficiaries under full retirement age can earn up to $23,400 annually without affecting benefits. Above this amount, $1 is withheld for every $2 earned. In the year a person reaches full retirement age, the limit is $62,160, with a $1-for-$3 withholding above that. After reaching full retirement age, there is no earnings limit.
How to Verify Your Payment Status
The SSA encourages beneficiaries to use their My Social Security online accounts to check payment dates and amounts. Direct deposit remains the fastest and most secure way to receive payments. Beneficiaries should contact SSA offices early if issues arise, as offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and may operate with limited hours the day before.
Retirement at 69? The Controversial Plan That Could Slash Benefits for Millions of Americans
FAQ
Will my Social Security payment be delayed because of Thanksgiving?
No. Payments will be issued on or before November 26, ensuring no holiday delays.
When will SSI recipients receive their November payment?
Since November 1 is a Saturday, SSI payments will be made on October 31.
Will my benefit amount increase in November 2025?
The 2.5 percent COLA increase took effect in January 2025, so beneficiaries have already received the higher amount throughout the year.
What if I was affected by WEP or GPO?
Those reductions have been repealed. Many affected recipients will receive restored benefits.
