Social Security Direct Deposit Is Wrong

[OnMyWay]

I already got my first SS direct deposit with the COLA adjustment, and it appears to be about $10 short of the amount on my benefit letter.  I tried to called SS but the robot thought I was asking to change my direct deposit and there was no way to backtrack.  I was offered a call back and I have been waiting 50 minutes. 

Any tips on how to get through to an agent quickly, next time I call? 

[Lee]

As I read this, neither of the COLA adjustments have gone into affect yet. Perhaps I'm wrong.

 

https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2025-10-24.html

 

Social Security Announces 2.8 Percent Benefit Increase for 2026

Baltimore, MD – The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today that Social Security benefits, including Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2026. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January.

Over the last decade the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase has averaged about 3.1 percent. The COLA was 2.5 percent in 2025.

Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2025 (today is only the 30th back in the US). (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).

"Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security," said Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “The cost-of-living adjustment is a vital part of how Social Security delivers on its mission.”

Other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $184,500 from $176,100.

Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December 2025.

[OnMyWay]

1 hour ago, Lee said:

As I read this, neither of the COLA adjustments have gone into affect yet. Perhaps I'm wrong.

It is definitely the increased January payment.  Sometimes my direct deposit is early when weekends and holidays are involved.   The part you highlighted is for SSI. 

 

[Lee]

2 hours ago, Lee said:

Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January.

I also highlighted this section. See above.

So did you get this sorted out to your satisfaction?

[OnMyWay]

2 hours ago, Lee said:

So did you get this sorted out to your satisfaction?

Not yet.  They called back after I was asleep.  I will try again now.  I am using my Google voice number.