Millions of Americans rely on Social Security to cover everyday expenses during retirement, and this month, a fresh wave of payments is officially confirmed for April 16.
However, not all beneficiaries will receive the latest Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. Here’s who qualifies, how much to expect, and what you need to know.
April 16 Social Security Payments: Who Is Eligible?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes retirement benefits on a staggered schedule based on a recipient’s date of birth. Those born between the 11th and 20th of the month are scheduled to receive their payment on April 16, which falls on a Tuesday this year.
This group includes:
- Retirees receiving Social Security only (not Supplemental Security Income)
- Those born from the 11th to 20th of any month
- Beneficiaries who began receiving benefits after May 1997
If you receive both Social Security and SSI, your payment is usually delivered on the 3rd of the month, and you will not receive a second check on April 16.
COLA Increase 2024: How Much More Are You Getting?
The 2024 COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) increased Social Security benefits by 3.2%, starting in January. This bump is designed to help seniors and other recipients keep up with inflation.
But not everyone will see the full effects of this increase on their April 16 payment. Only recipients who fall under the qualified group for that payment date and started receiving benefits before December 2023 will see the full COLA reflected.
Who Gets the COLA Bump This April?
| Recipient Group | COLA Applied? |
|---|---|
| Retirees born 11th–20th, benefits before 2024 | Yes |
| Retirees born 11th–20th, benefits after Jan 2024 | Not Yet |
| SSI recipients | Already Paid |
| SSDI recipients | If born 11–20 |
If you started collecting benefits in January 2024 or later, your COLA will not yet be fully reflected until your first January anniversary.
What the Average Retiree Will Receive
With the 3.2% increase, the average retiree can expect a modest rise in their monthly check. According to the SSA:
- The average monthly payment rose from $1,848 to around $1,907
- Married couples receiving benefits may see a combined increase to roughly $3,033 per month
The actual amount depends on:
- When you started receiving benefits
- Your earnings history
- Whether you’re also enrolled in Medicare Part B (which is deducted)
Why Some Retirees Won’t See an Increase Yet
Retirees who began collecting Social Security benefits this year will not immediately benefit from the full COLA increase. This is because COLA adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the third quarter of the previous year, and only apply to those already receiving benefits before the new year began.
If you became eligible in 2024, your COLA adjustment will be factored in next January.
Direct Deposit or Check? When to Expect Your Money
Most recipients will receive their Social Security payment via direct deposit on April 16, which typically posts by mid-morning depending on your bank.
If you still receive paper checks, it may take an additional 2–3 business days for the check to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways for April 16 Social Security Recipients
- Confirmed payment date: Tuesday, April 16
- Eligible group: Birthdays between 11th and 20th; Social Security-only recipients
- COLA increase: 3.2%, applies only to those receiving benefits before 2024
- Average benefit: $1,907 for individuals, $3,033 for couples
- Not eligible: SSI recipients or those who started benefits in 2024
Final Thoughts
The April 16 Social Security payment offers another boost for qualifying retirees, thanks to the 2024 COLA increase. While the 3.2% bump isn’t a dramatic rise, it can help with rising grocery prices, housing costs, and medical expenses. If you don’t see the increase reflected in this month’s payment, it could be due to when you started collecting benefits. For personalized details, retirees should log into their mySocialSecurity account or contact the SSA directly.
