If you’re a Social Security retiree in the United States, knowing your payment date is very important—especially when planning your monthly expenses. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends out retirement checks every month, but the exact date you receive your payment depends on your group, which is based on when you started receiving benefits and your birthday.
In the remaining days of April 2025, only two more Social Security payments will be sent—on April 16 and April 23. Let’s understand who qualifies for each payment date and how you can receive your money faster.
Understanding Social Security Payment Groups
The SSA divides retirees into four groups based on two main factors:
- When you started receiving benefits
- Your birthday
This system helps manage payments smoothly and ensures everyone gets their checks on time. The remaining April payments are for Group 3 and Group 4 retirees.
Who Will Get Paid on April 16, 2025?
The April 16 Social Security payment is for people in Group 3. To qualify for this group, you must meet both of these conditions:
- You started receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997, and
- Your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of any month.
Even if you belong to this group, the exact arrival of your money depends on your payment method. If you use Direct Deposit, the funds usually appear in your account on the same day. If you receive paper checks, delivery can take a few days.
Who Will Get Paid on April 23, 2025?
The April 23 payment will be the last Social Security check for April and is meant for Group 4 retirees. You will receive your money on this date if you meet the following two conditions:
- You started getting your benefits after May 1997, and
- Your birthday is between the 21st and 31st of any month.
Again, Direct Deposit is the fastest way to receive your check. If you’re still using paper checks, it may take longer to arrive by mail.
Why Knowing Your Group Matters
Even though many retirees receive similar benefit amounts, the payment date can vary, which can affect how you plan your monthly expenses like rent, groceries, or medical bills. Knowing your payment group helps you stay organized and avoid confusion or panic when money doesn’t appear as expected.
Fastest Way to Receive Your Social Security Payment
To avoid delays, the SSA recommends signing up for Direct Deposit. Here’s why:
- Faster payments – funds usually arrive on the same day
- No risk of lost or delayed mail
- More secure and easier to track
You can activate Direct Deposit through your mySocialSecurity account or by contacting the SSA directly.
The next two Social Security payments in April 2025 will be sent on April 16 and April 23, depending on your birthday and benefit start date. To get paid on April 16, your birthday must be between the 11th and 20th; for April 23, it should be between the 21st and 31st.
In both cases, you must have started collecting benefits after May 1997. Activate Direct Deposit for quicker access to your money. Understanding these payment rules will help you manage your finances more effectively.
