Social Security: Over the past few weeks, social media has been buzzing with claims that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be handing out a one-time $600 bonus check to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries in July 2025—or maybe September, depending on which post you saw. It sounds nice, but let’s clear this up right away: it’s not true. The SSA has confirmed there is no such payment planned or approved.
Where the Rumor Started
So, how did this myth take off? Most likely from confusion around the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). For 2025, COLA is set at 2.5%. That means if someone gets a $2,000 monthly benefit, their check will go up by about $47 a month. Over the course of a year, that adds up to around $564—which is close to the rumored $600. But here’s the key: it’s spread out month by month, not paid as a lump sum.
Scammers spotted the confusion and ran with it, turning a normal COLA increase into a fake promise of a one-time $600 bonus. Unfortunately, some people have already fallen for it. In fact, Americans lost more than $126 million to similar Social Security scams in just one year.
Read more: $2,000 Stimulus Check 2025: Eligibility Rules and Payment Date Revealed
What the SSA Actually Said
The SSA has been very clear: there is no $600 SSI bonus for July or September 2025. The Office of the Inspector General even put out a scam alert, warning people not to share personal details with anyone claiming otherwise.
Real SSI Payments in 2025
Here’s what SSI beneficiaries are actually receiving in 2025, after the COLA increase took effect in January:
- Individuals: $967 per month
- Couples: $1,450 per month
- Essential persons: $484 per month
That’s it—no hidden bonuses, no surprise checks. And the good news? Beneficiaries didn’t have to do anything to get the COLA increase—it was applied automatically.
How to Protect Yourself
If you see a post, text, or email about a “$600 SSI bonus,” here’s what you should do:
- Ignore it — it’s a scam.
- Never share your Social Security number, bank info, or personal details with anyone making these claims.
- Check official updates directly from the SSA website or verified government sources, not random Facebook posts or TikTok videos.
Final Word
The truth is simple: there’s no $600 SSI bonus in 2025. What people are really seeing is the regular COLA increase, which adds up slowly over the year. Don’t let scammers take advantage of the confusion. Stick to official SSA announcements, and you’ll know exactly what’s real and what’s rumor.