Millions of retirees have received good news. On April 9, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will start giving the first set of Social Security payments that will feature the newly added 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment will apply to those who were born on the 1st to the 10th of any month.
The SSA has verified that this growth will aid pensioners in meeting the ever-growing charges of living, caused by a continuous rise in inflation, including food, utilities, and healthcare.
Who Will Get the Payment on April 9?
Those people who will automatically receive the payment on April 9 are:
- Are currently receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
- The individual was born between the 1st and 10th days of any month.
- They had claimed their benefits at or after age 62.
No other action needs to be taken. The COLA adjustment of the April payment will be done directly.
What Is the Reason for a COLA Adjustment in 2025?
The 2.5% COLA increase has been enforced since January 2025, and it has the effect of enabling 68 million Social Security beneficiaries to face the issues related to the increased living costs caused by the high inflation rate.
The SSA changes the benefits each year to the extent that the retirees’ purchasing power is directly affected. The last year’s correction implies that the:
- The average pensioners are getting approximately $49 more monthly.
- The max possible benefits are raised by nearly $200.
These changes in benefits have been made automatically to retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
Full April 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
Payments this April follow the SSA’s standard payment structure based on beneficiaries’ birth dates:
| Birth Date | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | April 9, 2025 |
| 11th – 20th | April 16, 2025 |
| 21st – 31st | April 23, 2025 |
In addition:
- April 1 was the payment date for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries.
- Seniors who are 70 years old and who have met the eligibility criteria may have already received payments of up to $5,108 on April 3.
Other Important Social Security Changes for 2025
Increased Taxable Earnings Limit
The maximum earnings that can be taxed have been raised to $176,100. Thus, high-wage workers will pay additional tax through payroll taxes to Social Security.
Full Retirement Age Adjustment
It is noteworthy that the full retirement age (FRA) keeps gradually growing, which will affect the coming generations of retirees. Hence, the beneficiaries’ specific FRA should be verified on the official SSA website.
Social Security Fairness Act Update
The Social Security Fairness Act, which became law on January 5, 2025, was a great relief to government employees. By eliminating WEP and GPO, the Act will deliver dignified coverage to more than 3 million government employees, including teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public workers.
What Should Retirees Do Next?
- Be aware of the dates when you get the payments.
- Make use of your My Social Security account online in order to find out the new amounts of your benefits.
- If the Social Security Fairness Act is affecting you, keep an eye on your statements for changes.
- The new budget should be based on the adjusted COLA benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my Social Security check in April 2025?
- Payments are linked to your birthday:
- April 9 for birthdays in the 1st–10th range.
- April 16 for birthdays in the 11th–20th range.
- April 23 for birthdays in the 21st–31st range.
What is the COLA for 2025?The percent added to your total income will be 2.5%, which will average the overall benefit of $49 extra monthly.
What other changes should I know about?Along with COLA, the earnings cap has climbed to $176,100, and the full retirement age is still making the planned progression. Besides, the Fairness Act has been enacted, removing fines for lots of public sector workers.
Do I need to apply to get the COLA?No, the adjustment is processed automatically to every eligible beneficiary.
Stay Informed
The SSA keeps updating the beneficiaries on the new rules and payment schedules. Go to the official SSA website or register for a My Social Security account to get the latest information.