Who is getting a Social Security raise in April 2025? Clarifying the COLA and Benefit Schedules

In 2025, over 72.5 million Americans received a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), an increase that officially took effect in January, not April. However, many beneficiaries are still curious about who is getting a Social Security raise in April 2025 and what their specific payment schedule is. This article clarifies the timing of the annual COLA and outlines when different groups can expect their monthly benefits throughout April.

Quick Summary

The 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and SSI began in January 2025, affecting most beneficiaries. April 2025 payments follow the standard monthly schedule based on birth date, and some public sector retirees may see additional increases from the Social Security Fairness Act.

Key Points

• COLA Effective Date: The 2.5% Social Security raise for 2025 began in January 2025, not April, for all eligible beneficiaries.

• April is a Regular Payment Month: April is a standard payment month, and the payment schedule follows the same rules as other months, determined by the beneficiary's birth date.

• Who Benefits from COLA: All Social Security and SSI recipients are affected by the COLA, including retired workers, individuals with disabilities, and their dependents.

• Public Sector Fairness Act: Certain public-sector retirees, including some teachers and firefighters, may see larger benefit increases or retroactive payments throughout 2025 due to the Social Security Fairness Act repealing WEP and GPO.

• Individualized Increases: While the COLA is a flat 2.5%, the actual dollar amount increase varies based on the beneficiary's earnings history and benefit type.

• Check Your Account: The most accurate way to confirm your personal payment amount is by checking your 'my Social Security' account online.

Understanding the 2025 COLA and April Payments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025 in October 2024, designed to help Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries keep up with inflation. This increase was effective with the December 2024 benefits paid in January 2025, not in April. April payments follow the standard distribution schedule.

The 2.5% COLA applies to retired workers, those receiving disability benefits, and SSI recipients. The average monthly check for retirees increased from $1,927 in 2024 to $1,976 in 2025. The COLA is calculated based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

The Social Security Fairness Act: A Different Kind of Increase

Separately from the COLA, the Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law in January 2025, repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). This change affects millions of public-sector retirees, including some teachers, police officers, and firefighters, whose benefits were previously reduced due to receiving a non-covered pension. Some individuals impacted by the SSFA may see increases larger than the standard 2.5% COLA and could receive retroactive payments. This separate adjustment may contribute to confusion about benefit increases in 2025.

Your Social Security April 2025 Payment Schedule

Social Security payments in April 2025 are scheduled based on your birth date, following the regular monthly pattern. The payments will include the 2.5% COLA that began in January.

• April 1, 2025: SSI payments (unless the 1st is a weekend or holiday).
• April 3, 2025: Beneficiaries who filed before May 1997.
• April 9, 2025: Birth dates 1st through 10th.
• April 16, 2025: Birth dates 11th through 20th.
• April 23, 2025: Birth dates 21st through 31st.

Benefit Increases: Average vs. Maximum Payments

The 2025 COLA provides a 2.5% increase, but the actual dollar amount varies based on individual factors. The table below compares average and maximum monthly payments for 2024 and 2025.

Benefit Type	Average Monthly Benefit (January 2024)	Average Monthly Benefit (January 2025)	**Maximum Monthly Benefit (2025)***
Retired Worker	$1,927	$1,976	$4,018 (at Full Retirement Age)
SSI Individual	$943	$967	$967
SSI Couple	$1,415	$1,450	$1,450
Disabled Worker	$1,905	$1,957	Varies by earnings history

*Maximum monthly benefit for retired workers varies based on the age at which they claim benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no special Social Security raise in April 2025. The 2.5% COLA for most beneficiaries was effective in January 2025 and is included in all monthly payments, including those in April. April payments follow the standard schedule determined by birth date. Some public-sector retirees may receive additional increases due to the Social Security Fairness Act. For personalized benefit information, visit the official SSA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will all Social Security recipients receive a 2.5% raise in April 2025?

The annual 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025 was effective starting in January 2025, not April. All beneficiaries receiving Social Security and SSI receive the COLA, and it has already been applied to their monthly payments for the year. The payments in April are simply a continuation of the monthly schedule with the COLA already included.

Why is there confusion about a Social Security raise in April 2025?

Confusion likely arises from articles about the monthly payment schedule for April and reports on the Social Security Fairness Act. The former confirms payment dates, not a special raise, while the latter provides increases for specific public-sector retirees.

Does the Social Security Fairness Act affect the April 2025 payments?

The Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) affects public-sector workers impacted by WEP or GPO. Any adjustments from the SSFA would be added to the standard monthly payment received in April according to the regular schedule. This is separate from the annual COLA.

How does the annual COLA work, and when does it take effect?

The COLA is an annual percentage increase based on the CPI-W. The 2025 COLA of 2.5% was announced in October 2024 and was effective with the December 2024 benefits paid in January 2025.

If I am on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), will I get an increase in April 2025?

As an SSI recipient, your benefits increased by 2.5% starting in January 2025 due to the COLA. Your April payment will include this increase. SSI payments are typically made on the first of the month.

How do I know my specific Social Security payment amount and date?

Log in to your 'my Social Security' account on the SSA website to view your personalized COLA notice and benefit details. While the general schedule is by birth date, your account provides your exact date.

What if I am a public-sector employee affected by WEP or GPO? When will I see my benefit increase?

The SSFA repealing WEP and GPO was signed in January 2025. Those affected should watch for communication from the SSA regarding potential larger increases or retroactive payments. The timing of these individual adjustments may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a special Social Security raise happening in April 2025?

No, there is no special or separate Social Security raise in April 2025. The annual 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025 was already applied to monthly benefits starting in January 2025, and all subsequent payments, including those in April, reflect that increase.

When did the 2025 Social Security raise actually start?

The 2025 Social Security raise began with the December 2024 benefits, which were paid in January 2025. The official 2.5% COLA was announced by the Social Security Administration in October 2024.

Who received the 2.5% COLA increase in 2025?

The 2.5% COLA for 2025 applies to all Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. This includes retired workers, disabled workers and their dependents, and surviving spouses and children.

How does the Social Security payment schedule work for April 2025?

The payment schedule for Social Security in April 2025 is based on your birth date. Payments are sent on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month, depending on which third of the month your birthday falls in. SSI payments are generally sent on the first of the month.

Why would some public employees see a bigger raise in 2025?

Some public-sector employees, such as certain teachers or firefighters, may receive a larger boost to their Social Security benefits in 2025 due to the Social Security Fairness Act. This law repealed provisions that previously reduced or eliminated benefits for those also receiving a pension from non-covered employment.

How much did the average retiree's check increase in 2025?

The average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers increased from $1,927 in 2024 to an estimated $1,976 in January 2025, an increase of about $49 per month.

Where can I find my exact Social Security benefit amount for 2025?

For your specific benefit amount, you should log in to your personal 'my Social Security' account on the official SSA website. You can view your COLA notice online starting in December 2024, which will detail your new monthly benefit.

What if I am a public-sector employee affected by WEP or GPO? When will I see my benefit increase?

The SSFA repealing WEP and GPO was signed in January 2025. Those affected should watch for communication from the SSA regarding potential larger increases or retroactive payments. The timing of these individual adjustments may vary.