Social Security benefits are eligible for an increase in 2025. The average monthly benefit is expected to rise by about $50. Since the cost of Medicare Part B is going up, retirees who are enrolled in both programs won't see that raise in full.

Now, with the year winding down, all Social Security retirees should mark Nov. 20 as another date to remember. Here's why.

In December, SSI recipients will receive their payments a day early – Dec. 31 – because Jan. 1 is the New Year’s Day holiday. These checks will reflect two different amounts because the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment increase will apply to the payment made on Dec. 31.