Millions of Americans who rely on Social Security payments will see an increase in their monthly benefits starting in April 2025. This adjustment is part of the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), designed to ensure that retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors continue to receive benefits that keep up with inflation.
Additionally, some beneficiaries will see even larger increases due to changes in legislation, such as the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA), which removes certain reductions that previously affected public-sector retirees.
If you’re wondering why Social Security payments are increasing in April 2025, here’s everything you need to know about the changes, how they impact you, and what you can expect from your monthly Social Security payment.
Why Are Social Security Payments Increasing?
The main reasons for the April 2025 Social Security payment increase are:
- Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) – The annual COLA ensures that Social Security benefits keep pace with inflation so that recipients can maintain their purchasing power.
- Repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) – The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates reductions that previously lowered benefits for some retirees, such as teachers, police officers, and firefighters.
- Automatic Adjustments to Benefits – Each year, Social Security benefits are adjusted based on earnings history, tax contributions, and legislative changes.
Together, these factors contribute to an increase in Social Security payments for millions of beneficiaries starting in April.
When Will You See the Increase in Your Social Security Payment?
The newly adjusted Social Security payments will start arriving in April 2025 according to the SSA’s payment schedule.
April 2025 Social Security Payment Dates
| Payment Date | Who Receives It? |
|---|---|
| April 3, 2025 | Beneficiaries who started before May 1997 |
| April 9, 2025 | Born between the 1st and 10th of any month |
| April 16, 2025 | Born between the 11th and 20th of any month |
| April 23, 2025 | Born between the 21st and 31st of any month |
✔ Those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see their new payment arrive on April 1, 2025.
✔ If you receive payments via Direct Deposit, your new Social Security payment will be available on the same day it is scheduled.
✔ Paper checks may take a few extra days to arrive.
What’s Driving the Social Security COLA Increase?
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is determined by inflation data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
Inflation has remained steady, but essential costs continue to rise – COLA adjustments help offset increases in:
- Housing costs (rent and property taxes)
- Healthcare and prescription drug prices
- Food and grocery bills
- Transportation and utility expenses
Without COLA, Social Security benefits would lose value over time – The adjustment helps preserve retirees’ financial stability.
How to Check Your New Social Security Payment Amount
- Log into your mySocialSecurity account at SSA.gov – You can view your new payment amount starting in December 2024.
- Review the SSA’s mailed notices – The SSA sends out letters with updated benefit amounts.
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if you have questions.
How the Social Security Fairness Act Affects Payments
The Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA), recently passed into law, removes reductions caused by:
- Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) – This provision previously reduced benefits for retirees receiving non-covered pensions.
- Government Pension Offset (GPO) – This rule cut spousal and survivor benefits for those with government pensions.
Now that WEP and GPO have been repealed, millions of retirees will receive full Social Security payments, leading to higher monthly benefits starting in April 2025.
What Social Security Beneficiaries Should Do Next
✔ Verify your Social Security payment details – Ensure your Direct Deposit and banking information is correct.
✔ Track your new benefit amount – Log into mySocialSecurity or wait for your mailed COLA notice.
✔ Plan for future increases – Inflation and Social Security reforms may impact benefits in 2026..
📢 For the latest Social Security updates, visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.