Scarlett
Are you wondering whether your benefit payments are about to increase? Millions of Americans may soon receive additional financial support, and you could be among them.
Thanks to a combination of payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), extra funds are arriving in bank accounts nationwide.
These extra payments are linked to specific triggers: the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), adjusted schedules due to Labor Day, and tax refunds from programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
Why Americans Are Receiving More Financial Help
As highlighted by the financial news outlet El Adelantado, the extra money being distributed in 2025 results from several legal and procedural updates. These payments are especially impactful for retirees, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.
Here are the three main reasons behind this additional financial support:
1. COLA Increase Raises Monthly Social Security Checks
Each year, the SSA implements a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to ensure that benefits keep up with inflation. For 2025, COLA has been set at 2.5%, which means retirees’ average monthly payment will increase from $1,927 to $1,976.
The best part? No action is required — the increase is automatic and will be reflected in upcoming deposits.
2. SSI Beneficiaries Get Two Payments in August
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive two payments in August 2025 due to a scheduling shift. Since September 1 (the usual SSI payment date) falls on Labor Day, a federal holiday, the payment is moved up to Friday, August 29.
This means there will be no separate SSI payment in September, as the second August payment covers that cycle. While it may feel like a bonus, it’s simply an early disbursement.
3. IRS Refunds Through Tax Credits for Qualifying Families
Eligible families are also receiving IRS refunds thanks to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
In 2024, the average EITC refund exceeded $2,500, with households that have two or more children receiving up to $5,600. These funds often arrive during critical spending periods — like back-to-school season — helping cover essentials such as school supplies and childcare.
How These Payments Make a Difference
This boost in income offers critical relief for Americans struggling to keep up with daily living costs. Whether you’re retired, disabled, or supporting a family, these payments can help ease financial burdens, cover essential expenses, and even offer some peace of mind during times of high inflation.
Staying informed ensures that you can take full advantage of all available benefits and never miss out on what’s rightfully yours.
In 2025, multiple factors are aligning to bring much-needed financial relief to millions of U.S. households. From COLA-driven increases in Social Security, early SSI payments, to IRS-issued refunds through credits like the EITC and ACTC, these initiatives aim to support those who need it most.
While not all the payments are “extra” in the strictest sense, they represent strategic financial support that can make a meaningful difference in your monthly budget. Be proactive, understand what’s coming your way, and plan accordingly.
FAQs
Will I receive two SSI checks every August?
Not necessarily. Double SSI payments occur only when the regular schedule is disrupted by a holiday like Labor Day, prompting an early disbursement for the following month.
Do I need to apply for the COLA increase in Social Security?
No application is needed. COLA adjustments are automatically applied to eligible Social Security benefits each year.
How can I find out if I qualify for EITC or ACTC?
You can determine your eligibility based on your tax return, income, and number of dependents. The IRS website offers free eligibility tools.