In April 2025, Social Security retirement beneficiaries will receive their payments on a schedule based on their birthdate, which has been followed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for many years. The payments will be made on Wednesdays, with different dates for different birthdate ranges: April 9, 16, and 23.
Payment Schedule Based on Birthdates
For those receiving Social Security benefits, the payment date depends on when your birthday falls:
- April 9: If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of the month, you will receive your payment on the second Wednesday of April.
- April 16: If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, you will receive your payment on the third Wednesday of April.
- April 23: If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st, you will receive your payment on the fourth Wednesday of April.
This system has been in place for decades and helps the SSA streamline the distribution of Social Security funds to beneficiaries.
Exceptions for Some Beneficiaries
There are exceptions for some Social Security beneficiaries, particularly those who have been receiving benefits since before May 1997 or those who also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These beneficiaries will receive their Social Security payment on April 3 (Thursday), and their SSI will be deposited on May 1 (Thursday). After this payment, those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th will see their benefit arrive on May 14 (the second Wednesday of May).
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount of your Social Security retirement payment depends largely on when you start claiming your benefits:
- At age 62 (the earliest age to claim): The maximum payment you can receive is $2,831.
- At Full Retirement Age (FRA) of 67: The maximum payment rises to $4,018.
- At age 70: If you choose to delay your payments until age 70, you could qualify for a maximum of $5,108. This amount is reserved for a small group of beneficiaries who have contributed for at least 25 years, earning high salaries.
The SSA uses a calculation formula that considers your highest 35 years of income, adjusting for inflation. It prioritizes those with lower contributions, ensuring the system responds to individual financial needs regardless of when benefits are claimed.
What to Do if Your Payment Is Late
If your Social Security payment does not arrive on the expected date, the SSA recommends verifying your bank account to make sure the deposit is not delayed due to weekends or holidays. The SSA will automatically adjust the payment to the previous business day if a delay occurs.
If after waiting three business days the payment still hasn’t arrived, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office for assistance. The staff will help resolve any issues or delays.
In April 2025, Social Security payments will be distributed according to a set schedule based on your birthdate. Understanding when your payment will arrive can help you plan accordingly. If you experience any delays, give it a few business days and then contact the SSA if needed.
Make sure to be aware of the amount you are entitled to receive, depending on when you choose to retire. If you haven’t yet signed up for Social Security, it’s important to know how your benefits can grow by waiting to claim them at a later age.
