COLA 2025

The Social Security benefit cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 will be 2.5%. Beneficiaries will see this 2.5% increase in their benefit amount starting January 2025. Additionally, representative fees are being increased for the first time since November 2022. Effective November 30, 2024, the maximum fee a representative can collect at the hearing level or below will be raised to $9,200. Starting in 2026, representative fees will also receive COLA increases. These fees are taken from a successful applicant’s backpay, which Social Security pays directly to the representative. While these fees are rising to reflect inflation, a representative’s fee is still limited to 25% of a beneficiary’s back payment award or the current fee cap, and ongoing monthly benefits are not affected. If you are planning on seeking representation for applying for SSDI or are in the process of appealing a medical denial for SSDI or SSI, our office would be happy to schedule an intake with you.