Your monthly lifetime retirement benefits are partially protected against inflation. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is an annual increase in the amount of monthly benefits effective on July 1 of each year, compounded annually, for all eligible member benefit payments. The amount of the annual COLA is established by the SDRS Board of Trustees. The COLA is equal to inflation, with a minimum of zero percent and a maximum of 3.5 percent so long as that range is affordable. When not affordable, a restricted maximum COLA applies.
To be eligible for a COLA, the member cannot have reentered SDRS-covered employment and the member must have received benefit payments for the entire previous fiscal year period (July 1-June 30).
When the COLA occurs, you will receive a notification from SDRS regarding the increase in your monthly payment.
Effective Date COLA %
07/01/2025 1.71%
07/01/2024 1.91%
07/01/2023 2.10%
07/01/2022 3.50%
07/01/2021 1.28%
07/01/2020 1.56%
07/01/2019 2.03%
07/01/2018 1.89%
07/01/2017 2.10%
07/01/2016 3.10% (Foundation)
07/01/2015 3.10% (Foundation)
07/01/2014 3.10% (Foundation)