A rumor circulating on social media has falsely claimed that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive a one-time $600 payment in August 2025. Despite its popularity online, this claim has no basis in fact and has not been confirmed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). In reality, there is no special mid-year bonus planned for SSI recipients.
The SSA has been clear in its public statements that the only change to SSI payments in 2025 was the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which went into effect in January. This adjustment increased benefits by 2.5 percent across Social Security and SSI programs. As a result of the COLA, the maximum monthly federal payment for an individual rose to $967, while eligible couples can now receive up to $1,450 per month. On average, this means individuals saw an increase of about $24 per month—adding up to approximately $288 more over the course of the year. This annual increase is likely the source of confusion behind the $600 rumor, but it is not issued as a lump-sum payment.
Much of the misinformation appears to stem from a misunderstanding of how COLA is calculated. Some viral social media posts incorrectly interpret the annual total of the monthly increase as a one-time bonus. For instance, a Social Security retirement beneficiary receiving $2,000 per month might get about $50 more each month due to the 2.5 percent COLA. Over twelve months, that adds up to $600, but it is spread out monthly—not issued all at once.
For SSI beneficiaries, who receive lower base payments than retirement beneficiaries, the monthly COLA increase is smaller. No SSI recipient will receive a separate $600 check in August. The SSA’s standard payment schedule further disproves the rumor. SSI is typically paid on the first of the month, or on the preceding business day if the first falls on a weekend or holiday. August 2025 follows that same pattern. Beneficiaries will receive their regular August payment on the first of the month and, due to the Labor Day holiday, they will also receive their September payment early—on Friday, August 29. This early deposit does not represent a bonus; it is simply an advance payment to ensure timely delivery.
The 2.5 percent COLA is based on inflation data from the third quarter of the previous year, using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This method is used consistently each year to help benefits keep pace with the cost of living. The next COLA adjustment will not occur until January 2026, based on inflation trends measured in 2025.
In short, there is no $600 bonus coming for SSI recipients in August 2025. The claim is a misunderstanding rooted in how cost-of-living adjustments are calculated and applied. Recipients should refer to the SSA’s official communications and payment schedule to avoid being misled by viral posts or online speculation.
