The Social Security Administration continues applying the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to monthly payments in 2025, providing an essential financial relief to millions of retirees. Although the increase officially took effect in January 2025, each monthly payment continues to reflect this adjustment, helping beneficiaries maintain purchasing power amid rising inflation.
For 62-year-old retirees, this means that the upcoming March payment will once again include the 2.5% COLA increase, just as it did in the previous two months. This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Social Security recipients are better protected against the climbing cost of essential goods and services.
March 2025 Payment Date and Who Will Receive It
As in prior months, the COLA-adjusted payments will be delivered according to the regular Social Security schedule. In March, beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month—and who began receiving benefits at age 62—will receive their payment on March 26, 2025.
According to SSA estimates:
- Maximum monthly payment for 62-year-old retirees: $2,831
- The increase is automatic; no action is required from recipients
It’s important to highlight that those who wait to retire at full retirement age (67) or later can receive significantly higher benefits, as the SSA rewards delayed retirement with increased monthly checks.
Other Key Social Security Changes Still in Effect
Beyond the COLA increase, other updates introduced in 2025 continue to affect beneficiaries:
- Taxable earnings cap increased to $176,100 for those still working
- Full retirement age adjustments remain in place for future retirees
These changes reflect ongoing efforts to preserve the sustainability of the Social Security program and provide greater economic security to Americans as they age.
As the March payment approaches, retirees can expect another enhanced deposit—a continuation of the larger monthly checks first introduced in January. For those turning 62 or already retired, these updates reinforce the importance of staying informed about the latest policy shifts that impact retirement income.