No COLA Boost Coming in April 2025: If you’re one of the millions of seniors across the United States who depend on Social Security benefits to help cover daily living expenses, you may have been hoping for another increase in benefits this spring. Unfortunately, there is no additional Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) coming in April 2025. Despite rising grocery prices, high utility bills, and medical expenses that continue to climb, the 2.5% COLA increase applied in January 2025 will remain the only increase beneficiaries receive this year.
It’s a common misunderstanding that COLA increases can happen throughout the year. However, COLA is not a monthly or quarterly adjustment; it’s an annual recalculation, announced each October and applied to benefits in January of the following year. This article breaks down why there’s no extra COLA in April, how much payments increased in January, how to manage your budget despite the limited boost, and what to expect going forward.
No COLA Boost Coming in April 2025
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| COLA Increase for 2025 | 2.5% (effective January 2025) |
| Additional Increase in April? | No—COLA changes are applied once annually, not multiple times a year |
| Who Receives COLA? | Retirees, SSDI, SSI, survivors, and other Social Security beneficiaries |
| April 2025 Payment Dates | April 1 (SSI), April 9, 16, 23 (based on birth dates) |
| Average Retirement Benefit (2025) | Around $1,907/month (SSA Source) |
| Maximum Retirement Benefit (FRA) | $3,822/month for those retiring at full retirement age |
| Official SSA Payment Schedule | SSA 2025 Schedule |
| Official SSA Website | ssa.gov |
Although April 2025 brings no additional increase to Social Security payments, it’s important to remember that the 2.5% COLA already in effect provides some relief in an otherwise uncertain economic climate. While many seniors hoped for more, the reality of inflation and budget constraints means we’ll have to wait until January 2026 for the next possible adjustment.
In the meantime, there are steps you can take to make the most of your income—budgeting smarter, accessing discounts, and exploring available programs. With the right planning and resources, you can stretch your benefits further and stay financially secure.
What Is COLA and Why Does It Matter?
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is the Social Security Administration’s way of helping beneficiaries keep pace with inflation. It’s based on data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Each fall, the SSA looks at the CPI-W from July through September and compares it to the same period the previous year. If prices have risen, benefits increase accordingly.
The 2.5% COLA for 2025, announced in October 2024, began appearing in benefits paid in January 2025. While the increase helps offset inflation, it may not be enough for seniors facing high housing and healthcare costs. That’s why understanding the timing of COLA matters—so beneficiaries can plan ahead and adjust their budgets accordingly.
Why Some Expected a Spring Boost
Some seniors mistakenly believe that COLA changes occur multiple times per year or that benefits increase automatically when inflation spikes mid-year. This misunderstanding may be due in part to prior emergency relief programs, like stimulus checks, which were separate from Social Security benefits and had their own timelines.
Unless there’s special legislation passed by Congress, the COLA is locked in for the full calendar year. So, the 2.5% increase in January 2025 will remain in place through December, with the next potential boost arriving in January 2026.
How Much Was the 2025 Increase?
While smaller than previous years, the 2.5% adjustment in 2025 still means a meaningful change in monthly income:
- Average retirement benefits went from $1,848/month in 2024 to $1,907/month in 2025
- The maximum benefit for retirees who claimed at full retirement age rose to $3,822/month
- SSI maximums increased to $967/month for individuals and $1,450 for couples
By comparison, the COLA was 8.7% in 2023 and 3.2% in 2024, both of which were responses to elevated inflation. The smaller 2025 COLA reflects an easing inflation rate—but that doesn’t necessarily mean prices are going down, just that they aren’t rising as fast.
April 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
Wondering when your check is arriving? The Social Security payment schedule is organized based on your birthday and the type of benefit you receive.
If You Receive Retirement, SSDI, or Survivor Benefits:
- April 9: Birthdays on the 1st–10th
- April 16: Birthdays on the 11th–20th
- April 23: Birthdays on the 21st–31st
If You Receive SSI:
- April 1: Standard monthly payment date
To track or confirm your payment:
- Log in to your My Social Security account
- Use your Direct Express® card portal
- Check your bank’s direct deposit schedule
- Call 1-800-772-1213 if payment hasn’t arrived after 3 business days
How Seniors Can Make the Most of 2025 Benefits
Though no new COLA is coming this April, there are still many ways to make your Social Security check go further. Smart planning and tapping into local, state, and federal resources can significantly ease financial strain.
Review and Adjust Your Monthly Budget
- Identify where your money is going
- Look for recurring subscriptions or bills that can be reduced or eliminated
- llocate part of your check for emergency savings, if possible
🏷️ Use Senior Discounts
Many businesses offer senior discounts, including:
- Grocery stores (discount days)
- Pharmacies
- Utility companies
- Transportation systems
- Movie theaters and museums
Lower Prescription Drug Costs
Programs that help lower medication expenses:
- Extra Help (Medicare Part D)
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs)
- Discount cards from NeedyMeds.org and BenefitsCheckUp.org
Access Housing, Utility, and Energy Aid
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps with heating and cooling bills
- Weatherization Assistance Program may reduce energy costs long-term
- Local housing assistance programs may help with rent or property tax relief
Improve Food Security
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Local food banks and Meals on Wheels
- Community senior centers with daily or weekly meal programs
What to Expect for COLA in 2026
As of now, it’s too early to predict what the 2026 COLA will be. It depends entirely on inflation data gathered during the third quarter of 2025. That means from July to September, the SSA will monitor price trends to determine next year’s adjustment.
If inflation stays relatively low, the COLA might be similar to this year’s 2.5%, or even lower. However, sudden spikes in energy, housing, or healthcare costs could prompt a larger adjustment.
Recent COLA Trends
| Year | COLA % | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8.7% | Highest in 40 years (post-COVID inflation) |
| 2024 | 3.2% | Inflation easing |
| 2025 | 2.5% | Stabilized inflation environment |
FAQs On No COLA Boost Coming in April 2025
Why isn’t there a new COLA in April?
COLA is calculated and applied once per year—usually starting in January. There are no quarterly or mid-year adjustments.
Will there be a COLA in 2026?
Most likely, yes. The SSA evaluates inflation every fall and adjusts benefits accordingly for the following year.
How do I know how much my increase was?
You can check your COLA notice in your My Social Security account or review your January 2025 benefits letter.
Can Congress change COLA mid-year?
While extremely rare, it is possible—especially in national emergencies. However, there are no current plans to do so.
Are COLA increases keeping up with real inflation?
Not always. Some argue that the CPI-W doesn’t reflect seniors’ true cost of living, especially regarding healthcare.
