Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January.

Over the last decade the COLA increase has averaged about 2.6 percent. The COLA was 3.2 percent in 2024.

Nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2025.  Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2024. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).

“Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase in 2025, helping tens of millions of people keep up with expenses even as inflation has started to cool,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security.

Some 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 $176,100 from $168,600.

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

This year, for the first time, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a newly designed and improved COLA notice that makes it easier for customers to find the information they need most. The simplified COLA notice is now only one page, uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of a person’s new benefit amount and any deductions.

Individuals who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. People can set up text or email alerts when there is a new message--such as their COLA notice--waiting for them in my Social Security.

People will need to have a personal my Social Security account by Nov. 20 to see their COLA notice online. To get started, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Information about Medicare changes for 2025 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, the 2025 benefit amount will be available via my Social Security's Message Center starting in late November. Those who have not opted to receive messages online will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To read more, please visit www.ssa.gov/cola.

The unimaginable loss of a pregnancy or infant can leave a lasting impact on the lives of those involved. And while this grief can seem impossible to overcome, it is possible to manage. “I encourage parents to reach out for support and try to avoid isolating themselves and going through it alone,” says Amelia Doggett-McCulloch, Program Manager at Centerstone, “Let your feelings out and process them with someone else.” As hard as it may be, allow yourself to sit in that grief and just feel. Melissa Gilbreath, Project Manager at Centerstone adds, “Part of this process may include holding the baby and getting a few photos before you leave the hospital.” Though it may be limited, spend the time you do have with them before they are laid to rest.

When it comes to infant or pregnancy loss, the physical effects can sometimes be underestimated. If you experienced pregnancy loss, your body may still think you’re pregnant, so you may still lactate or experience common postpartum symptoms such as hormonal imbalances or lack of sleep. These physical effects can take a heavy toll on the brain as they are a physical reminder of the loss. Emotional effects of this loss can impact both parents and can include confusion, anger, sadness, grief, withdrawal, and guilt. Additionally, this significant loss can be traumatic and may result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), intrusive thoughts, and even symptoms of postpartum depression.

Doggett-McCulloch and Gilbreath recommend seeking help and additional support right away. However, this doesn’t solely mean going to therapy or counseling. Seek support in whatever way makes sense for you whether that means finding online resources, joining a grief group, or asking loved ones to be present with you. This can be as simple as allowing them to help you meet your basic needs such as eating, taking a shower, or doing the laundry. It is important to also seek professional help right away if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

If you have young children in the home, it can be challenging or even uncomfortable to explain loss and grief to them. “Be clear and use age-appropriate language,” adds Doggett-McCulloch. Try to avoid saying things like ‘the baby went to sleep’ as this may cause the other children to develop a fear of falling asleep. Instead use words like ‘died’ and ‘dead’ and say things like ‘the baby was too small, too sick, or not strong enough.’ Phrasing like this can make it easier for a young child to understand that the baby will not be coming back. In this process, be prepared for a lot of questions, and be patient as it may take them a while to understand the permanence of loss. It can also be helpful to include them in any ceremonies to honor the baby. Even if you don’t think they’ll understand, if they are excluded they may feel that disconnection.

It is possible that the loss of a pregnancy or infant will affect certain relationships and family dynamics. This is difficult because everyone grieves differently. Some family members will want to talk about it while others won’t and will seek out distractions to avoid conversation. Communication is the best way to prevent conflict within the family after loss, so, when you’re ready, encourage members of your family to share their feelings if they’d like to talk about it.

When it comes to honoring the loss of your baby, prioritize what makes the most sense for you and your family. Whether you plant a tree, have their hand and footprints set in stone, or save a lock of their hair, choose an option that feels right for you. If you experience a miscarriage, no matter how early, Gilbreath recommends still naming the baby as this can help with the grieving process and honoring them as well.

There is no set timeline or right or wrong way to grieve. Grief is hard and uncomfortable but is possible to overcome. If you have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant and are in need of additional mental health support, Centerstone can help. Call us at 877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123), visit our counseling services page, or our Early Childhood Services page to learn more. And, if you are in immediate need of crisis services, call, text, or chat the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Additional resources are available through the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline and Postpartum Support International. Both of these hotlines are available for text or call 24/7 and can connect you to resources in your area.

Join Salem High School Disney Club and Boy Scout Troop 4029 at Buffalo Trace Park on Saturday, Oct. 12, from dusk to 10:30 p.m. for a haunted trail that will have you running through the woods!

Attendees will meet at the Buffalo Trace Park Primitive Campground. The park is located at 1540 Hwy. 150 NE, Palmyra.

The event is being sponsored the the Salem High School Disney Club, Cub Scout Troop 4029 and North Harrison Students Council.

 The ghouls and goblins will appear for the cost of only $5 cash/ $6 card per person. Proceeds will support the youth group in their other adventures. We hope to see you there. Kids five and under are free.

"The Blacksmith House" is the artist's topic of this Sunday's Beck's Mill Artist Series.  The session will run 1:30-3:30 p..m. at the mill, located at 4433 South Beck's Mill Road in Salem.

The Artist Series sessions are conducted by volunteer Dusty Lynn Baker, instructor and Beck's Mill Resident Artist.

The cost is $15 for the session.  All proceeds benefit the mill, minus supplies.

The artist series, which has been running April to October, offers a blend of artistic activities as participants learn the history and myths of Beck's Mill. Participants explore chosen sites while expressing their hidden talents through creative writing, sketching, painting, music, collage and more.

Attendees also learn about the history of the mill, the science of the water source, the botany (from natives to Essie's imports), as well as the culture and myths surrounding the county's local treasure.

The public is invited to attend.