Social Security April Payouts Start Soon: If you’re one of the more than 70 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits, you might be asking: “Will I see more money in my April check?” The answer is yes, thanks to the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This yearly update is a big deal for millions of Americans who rely on these benefits for essential living expenses.
Whether you’re new to Social Security or a seasoned recipient, staying up-to-date with changes like the COLA can make a big difference in your budgeting and financial planning. In this article, we’ll explain the 2025 COLA increase, who it applies to, what changes to expect in April, and how recent legislative updates like the Social Security Fairness Act are impacting certain groups. Whether you’re a retiree, a person with disabilities, or a surviving family member, here’s everything you need to know to be prepared.
Social Security April Payouts Start Soon
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| COLA Increase for 2025 | 2.5% |
| Average Monthly Benefit Increase | ~$50 per month |
| Effective Dates | SSI: Dec 31, 2024 / Social Security: Jan 2025 |
| April 2025 Payment Dates | April 3, 9, 16, 23 depending on birth date |
| Recent Legislation | Social Security Fairness Act repeals WEP & GPO |
| Who Benefits? | Retirees, public service workers, disabled, survivors |
| More Info | ssa.gov/cola |
The 2025 Social Security COLA increase is a welcome update for millions of Americans. While the 2.5% bump may seem modest, it can go a long way in helping people cope with rising living expenses. Combined with the repeal of WEP and GPO under the Social Security Fairness Act, this year marks a significant improvement in benefit equity, especially for public servants.
What Is the Social Security COLA?
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is an annual increase in Social Security benefits designed to help people keep up with inflation. Each year, the U.S. government uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to determine how much more money recipients should get to help pay for rising costs.
In 2025, the COLA increase is 2.5%. This means most people receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will get a slight increase in their monthly payments. While this year’s boost isn’t as high as past years—like the 5.9% increase in 2022 or the 8.7% increase in 2023—it still helps cover everyday expenses such as rent, groceries, and utilities.
“COLA helps protect the purchasing power of Social Security payments as prices for food, rent, and other essentials rise,” explains Mary Johnson, a policy analyst at The Senior Citizens League. “Even small increases can make a meaningful difference, especially for those on fixed incomes.”
Who Gets the COLA Increase?
Anyone receiving the following types of Social Security benefits will automatically receive the 2.5% increase:
- Retirement benefits
- Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Survivors benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
You don’t have to apply for the COLA increase. It happens automatically and will be reflected in your payments starting January 2025. For SSI recipients, the boost was already included in the December 31, 2024 check.
It’s worth noting that if you’re receiving more than one type of benefit (for example, both retirement and SSI), both payments will be adjusted according to the COLA.
When Will I Get My April Payment?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) schedules monthly payments based on your birth date. Here’s the breakdown for April 2025:
- April 3: Those who started receiving benefits before May 1997.
- April 9: People born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- April 16: People born between the 11th and 20th.
- April 23: Those born between the 21st and 31st.
SSI payments are usually sent on the first of the month, but if the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment may arrive earlier.
To make sure you get your payment on time, set up direct deposit or check your my Social Security account. You can also refer to the SSA’s official payment schedule.
How Much More Will I Get?
While each person’s benefit is unique, here’s a general example of how the 2.5% increase might look:
- Average Social Security retirement check in 2024: $1,849
- After 2.5% COLA in 2025: $1,895
- Monthly increase: Around $46
If you receive disability, spousal, or survivor benefits, your increase will follow the same 2.5% formula. High earners or people with long work histories may see more.
To get an exact figure for your benefits:
- Log in to your “my Social Security” account
- Review your 2025 COLA notice
- Download your updated benefit statement
Understanding your new monthly income is essential for accurate budgeting and planning.
Social Security Fairness Act: A Game-Changer for Public Workers
In early 2025, lawmakers passed the Social Security Fairness Act, which repeals two controversial provisions: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These rules had reduced Social Security benefits for people who also received pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security.
The repeal is a major win for more than 3 million Americans, including:
- Teachers
- Police officers
- Firefighters
- Federal, state, and local employees
With these rules eliminated, many public servants will now receive the full Social Security benefits they’ve earned. Some are also receiving retroactive payments averaging $6,710.
“This is a monumental change for public service workers who paid into non-Social Security pensions and also earned Social Security benefits,” says Mark Miller, a retirement columnist at Reuters.
To learn more, visit this Houston Chronicle article.
How to Prepare and Plan Ahead
Here are some steps to ensure you’re ready to make the most of your updated Social Security income:
1. Review Your SSA Statement
Sign in at ssa.gov/myaccount to:
- Confirm your benefit adjustment
- Verify your earnings record
- Estimate future retirement amounts
If you notice any errors in your record, report them as soon as possible to avoid delays or incorrect benefit calculations.
2. Update Your Budget
Even a $40–$60 increase per month can help cover small but essential costs like:
- Medical co-pays
- Electric or heating bills
- Grocery bills
Adjusting your monthly budget to reflect the new income can help reduce financial stress.
3. Stay Safe from Scams
Scammers often target seniors with fake calls or emails claiming to be from SSA. SSA will never call, text, or email asking for your Social Security number or payment information.
If you suspect a scam, report it immediately at oig.ssa.gov.
4. Consider Tax Planning
Depending on your total annual income, your Social Security benefits might be partially taxable. A financial advisor or tax expert can help you navigate:
- Taxable income thresholds
- Withholding strategies
- IRS Form SSA-1099
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FAQs about Social Security April Payouts Start Soon
Will I automatically get the COLA increase?
Yes, the increase is applied automatically to all eligible recipients.
How do I find out my new benefit amount?
Log in to your my Social Security account and check the updated benefit statement.
What should I do if I don’t receive my payment?
Contact SSA immediately at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
Does the 2.5% COLA match current inflation rates?
Not entirely. While it helps, many experts believe the 2.5% COLA is conservative compared to real-world inflation, especially for seniors facing rising healthcare and housing costs.
How will the repeal of WEP and GPO impact me?
If you’ve worked in a non-Social Security-covered job and also qualify for Social Security, you may now receive full benefits and a retroactive payment if applicable.
