The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed the distribution dates for April 2025 retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits. Beneficiaries will receive their payments based on their birth date, with different groups receiving deposits on different Wednesdays each month.
In April, the payment dates are divided into three groups, depending on when your birthday falls in the month. Here’s an overview of the Social Security payment schedule and other important details:
Payment Schedule for April 2025
- April 9, 2025 (Second Wednesday): Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month will receive their payment.
- April 16, 2025 (Third Wednesday): Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of any month will receive their payment.
- April 23, 2025 (Fourth Wednesday): Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st will receive their payment.
Who Receives Social Security Payments on April 16?
April 16, 2025 will be the payment date for retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits. To qualify for these payments:
- Retirement benefits: You need at least 40 work credits (equivalent to 10 years of work). The amount of your monthly benefit depends on your earnings history and the age at which you retire.
- Disability benefits (SSDI): You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least one year or that is expected to result in death. Once you reach retirement age, your SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits.
- Survivor benefits: Spouses, children, and dependent parents of a deceased worker who was eligible for Social Security can qualify for survivor benefits.
Average and Maximum Social Security Payments in April 2025
In 2025, Social Security payments have increased due to inflation adjustments. Here’s a breakdown of the average and maximum benefits:
- Average retirement benefit: $1,976 per month (a 2.5% increase from $1,927 in 2024).
- Couples who both receive benefits: The combined average is $3,089 per month.
For those who have worked 35 years with the highest taxable earnings, the maximum Social Security benefit can be much higher:
- Maximum retirement benefit at age 62: $2,831 per month (about 70% of the full benefit at full retirement age).
- Maximum retirement benefit at full retirement age (around 66-67): $4,018 per month.
- Maximum benefit at age 70: $5,108 per month, thanks to an 8% increase for each year you delay retirement after full retirement age.
To receive the maximum benefit, your earnings must have been close to the Social Security taxable limit of $176,100 for 2025.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for 2025
The SSI program offers assistance to individuals with low income and limited resources. The maximum monthly amounts for 2025 are:
- $967 per month for individuals.
- $1,450 per month for couples.
Unlike Social Security retirement benefits, SSI is based on economic need, not previous work contributions.
Working While Receiving Benefits
Working while receiving Social Security benefits can reduce your payments if your annual earnings exceed certain limits:
- Under age 67: You can earn up to $23,400 without affecting your benefits.
- At full retirement age: You can earn up to $62,160 without reducing your benefits.
These earnings limits do not apply to individuals who already receive the maximum benefit, as these calculations are based on previous work history, not current earnings.
The Impact of the Social Security Fairness Act
In January 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act went into effect, bringing relief to thousands of public sector workers, including teachers, firefighters, and federal employees, who had been facing reduced benefits under provisions like the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
These provisions had previously reduced Social Security benefits for workers who also received pensions from government work. With the removal of these provisions, many workers received retroactive payments between February and March 2025, with an average payout of $6,700 per person. This change is expected to provide financial relief for many workers who had been underpaid for years.
Starting in April 2025, permanent increases began to reflect in beneficiaries’ accounts:
- Retirees affected by the old rules are now receiving an extra $360 per month.
- Spouses receive an extra $700 per month.
- Widows are seeing an increase of $1,190 per month.
While these changes are beneficial, the SSA has warned that there may be delays in processing these adjustments, particularly due to staff cuts and changes within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).