A fresh round of Social Security payments is on the way for millions of Americans. On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, eligible retirees will receive their next monthly check—this time including the 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that began in January. This increase helps older adults keep up with the rising cost of everyday items like groceries, gas, and bills.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends payments on different dates depending on your birthday and when you started getting benefits. If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month, and you retired at age 62, you’re among those getting paid on April 9.
Who Will Receive the April 9 Social Security Check?
The April 9 check will go to retirees who meet two simple conditions:
- You were born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- You started receiving Social Security retirement benefits at age 62.
If this matches your situation, then your payment—including the 2.5% COLA increase—will arrive on April 9. You don’t need to do anything extra; the increase is automatic and part of your regular monthly deposit.
Understanding the April 2025 Social Security Payment Amounts
In 2025, how much you get from Social Security depends on your age at retirement and how much you earned while working. The earlier you retire, the smaller your monthly payment. Here’s what retirees can expect:
- Early retirees at 62 years old: Up to $2,831 per month
- Full retirement age at 67: Up to $3,822 per month
- Delayed retirement at 70: Up to $5,108 per month
These are maximum benefits. Most people receive less based on their own work history and income.
What’s New in Social Security for 2025?
Apart from the COLA increase, 2025 brings a few more important changes to Social Security:
- Higher taxable income cap: Workers now pay Social Security taxes on income up to $176,100, up from the previous limit.
- Gradual retirement age increase: The full retirement age is slowly rising, meaning younger generations may need to wait a little longer to get full benefits.
- These updates help keep the program strong for future retirees and reflect changes in the economy and population.
Why COLA Is Important for Retirees
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is designed to make sure Social Security payments stay in line with inflation. Prices go up every year, and without this increase, the value of monthly checks would slowly go down. The 2.5% COLA in 2025 helps retirees stay financially secure and better manage their daily expenses.