Social Security's 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) came in at just 2.5%-- the lowest COLA since 2021. This is no surprise to those who have watched inflation steadily cool throughout the year. But it doesn't change the reality that many seniors will find themselves shouldering more of the financial burden in 2025.

Tens of millions of older Americans will see an increase in benefits this January when a new cost-of-living adjustment is added to Social Security payments. The 2.5% raise is intended to help meet higher prices for food, fuel, and other goods and services.

The Social Security Administration recently announced several key changes to the program for 2025. Here's what you need to know.

While there's a chance that 2026's Social Security COLA will be smaller than 2025's, there's also a chance that it will be comparable to next year's 2.5% increase or even higher. However, that's not something seniors should bank on.