
Each year, Social Security recipients typically see their checks increase due to inflation adjustments known as the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Set by the Social Security Administration, COLA is determined based on the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) during the third quarter. This year, with inflation slowing, the increase is expected to be modest compared to previous years.
In 2024, the Senior Citizens League projects a COLA of 2.63%, a sharp drop from the 8.7% increase seen two years prior and even the 3.2% from last year. If this projection holds true, Social Security checks across the United States will see a corresponding rise in 2025. However, it’s important to note that while the COLA is nationally uniform, the average Social Security check amounts can vary significantly from state to state due to differences in work history and earnings among residents.
Here’s the State-by-State Breakdown
The estimated average Social Security check in 2025, which combines retirement, disability benefits, and survivors, is projected to vary across the each state.
- Alabama: $1,861
- Alaska: $1,884
- Arizona: $2,015
- Arkansas: $1,800
- California: $1,922
- Colorado: $2,024
- Connecticut: $2,169
- Delaware: $2,159
- District of Columbia: $1,913
- Florida: $1,960
- Georgia: $1,896
- Hawaii: $1,990
- Idaho: $1,936
- Illinois: $1,991
- Indiana: $2,000
- Iowa: $1,975
- Kansas: $2,019
- Kentucky: $1,808
- Louisiana: $1,764
- Maine: $1,851
- Maryland: $2,100
- Massachusetts: $2,030
- Michigan: $2,032
- Minnesota: $2,070
- Mississippi: $1,766
- Missouri: $1,902
- Montana: $1,885
- Nebraska: $1,978
- Nevada: $1,932
- New Hampshire: $2,122
- New Jersey: $2,171
- New Mexico: $1,830
- New York: $1,998
- North Carolina: $1,955
- North Dakota: $1,911
- Ohio: $1,894
- Oklahoma: $1,878
- Oregon: $1,986
- Pennsylvania: $2,020
- Rhode Island: $2,002
- South Carolina: $1,972
- South Dakota: $1,908
- Tennessee: $1,909
- Texas: $1,891
- Utah: $2,017
- Vermont: $1,989
- Virginia: $2,023
- Washington: $2,077
- West Virginia: $1,843
- Wisconsin: $2,019
- Wyoming: $2,021

The Challenge of Keeping Up with the Cost of Living
While COLA increases are intended to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation, they often fall short, particularly when inflation rates exceed the adjustment percentage. This discrepancy can make it increasingly difficult for retirees and other Social Security recipients to manage their expenses, especially as the cost of essentials like healthcare and housing continues to rise. According to The Senior Citizens League, Social Security retirement benefit recipients have lost about 20% of their buying power since 2010, underscoring the need for additional planning and resources.

Planning for a Secure Financial Future
Given these challenges, it’s advisable for those nearing retirement or already retired to consider other sources of income or to adjust their living expenses. Consulting with a financial advisor can also provide strategies to maximize retirement income and savings. Planning ahead, assessing your financial health regularly, and adjusting your strategy as needed can help ensure that you remain financially stable despite the modest increases in Social Security benefits.
In summary, understanding the projected changes in Social Security checks and preparing for the broader financial implications is crucial for anyone relying on these benefits for their retirement. Being proactive and informed can make a significant difference in managing your financial future effectively.