April Delivers Increased Social Security Benefits for Some Retirees

Introduction

For millions of retired Americans who depend on Social Security benefits, any adjustment in monthly payments is significant. This April, numerous are in for some welcome news—Social Security checks increase for eligible retirees. The increase may be based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), delayed retirement credits, or revised eligibility, but some will see more in April 2025 payments.

In this article, we’ll explore who’s eligible for the April increase, how much the boost will be, what causes these changes, and what to expect in the months to come.

Why Are Social Security Checks Increasing in April?

There are several reasons retirees may receive higher checks this month:

1. 2025 COLA Adjustments Kicking In Fully

Although the COLA for 2025 was reported late in 2024, all beneficiaries do not perceive the change immediately in January. For some cases—especially for younger retirees or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients—changes are gradual. April is when the first full adjustments are seen in most groups of payments.

2. Delayed Retirement Credits

Retirees who delayed receiving their Social Security upon full retirement age (FRA)—typically 66 or 67—collect delayed retirement credits. These worth up to 8% raises in monthly amounts each year. For retirees whose required levels hit recently, they receive this added permanent increase this April.

3. Back Pay from Eligibility Changes

Some retirees had excellent news—in the way of new income data, resolved discrepancies, or completed appeals. The SSA can provide back pay or retroactive increases if they reopen a case and find there has been underpayment. It is April when most of such cases are resolved and distributed.

Who are Receiving More Social Security Payments in April?

Let us explain the types of retirees who are likely to see their checks being increased:

Retirees Who Receive Delayed Retirement Credits

Those who delayed beyond their FRA and recently started delayed benefits will receive a boost.

Seniors Who Were Granted Benefits Early in 2025

Those who were recently granted in January or February may now receive recalculated amounts or full COLA.

Those with Recent Benefit Recalculations

If your income, taxes, or work history was recently updated or corrected, your benefit may increase.

Dual Eligibles: SSI + SSDI

Those receiving both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may see modest increases due to state-level support recalculations.

Widows or Spouses Converting to Survivor Benefits

Widows or spouses who began receiving survivor benefits in Q1 may get a new or larger check this month.

How Much More Beneficiaries Are Receiving?

The figure varies, but here are typical increases for April 2025:

Retiree Type	Typical Increase	Notes
Average Retiree	$50–$85	Due to COLA adjustment
Delayed Retirement Claimant	$100–$300+	Based on credits earned
Re-evaluated Cases	Varies	May include back pay
Survivor Benefit Recipients	$75–$120	Based on deceased’s earnings

For most recipients, the increase is modest but adds up to a substantial difference over the period of one year, especially for individuals with fixed incomes.

April 2025 Payment Schedule

To determine when your raised check is paid, refer to this payment schedule:

• Born on the 1st–10th: Paid on April 10, 2025
• Born on the 11th–20th: Paid on April 17, 2025
• Born on the 21st–31st: Paid on April 24, 2025
• SSI Recipients: Paid on April 1, 2025

Note: If your payment is late, wait 3 business days before contacting the SSA.

What Retirees Need to Do Next

Check Your MySSA Account

Your My Social Security account will show the exact makeup of your April payment. These are:

• Base benefit
• COLA increase
• Delayed retirement credits
• Back pay (if due)

Compare Last Month’s Payment

Compare your April and March deposits. If there is a difference, flag it and review any supporting SSA letters.

Call SSA If Your Increase Is Missing

If you believe you are eligible for an increase but have not received it, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office.

How to Maximize Benefits in the Future

• Delay retirement if you can past FRA
• Work longer to maximize your 35-year average earnings
• Be on the lookout for annual COLA increases
• Correct errors in your work record via SSA

What About Medicare Premiums?

Keep in mind that any Social Security raise might be counteracted to some extent by higher Medicare Part B premiums. For example:

• If your April increase is $80
• And your Medicare Part B premium increased by $20
• Your net check increase is $60

However, it still is a great boost for most seniors.

Cost-of-Living Adjustments and Future Projections

The 2025 COLA was 3.2%, or approximately $55 more per month for the typical Social Security beneficiary. Although this April’s boost is predicated upon this adjustment, the 2026 COLA can be higher or lower depending on inflation rates.

Final Thoughts

Retirees seeing a bump up in the Social Security check in April can breathe a little easier. Whether due to the delayed retirement credits, benefit redeterminations, or COLA catch-up, the higher amount goes further to cover day-to-day expenses amid rising costs.

Keep your MySSA account current, monitor your bank statements, and don’t hesitate to call the SSA if you notice discrepancies. For most seniors, every dollar counts—and April brings a welcome infusion.

FAQ’s