The Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States has confirmed that on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, payments will be sent to Group 3 retirees. This is part of the SSA’s system of distributing monthly benefits based on birth dates and retirement approval year.
With new rules coming into effect in 2025, retirees may notice changes in their monthly checks, especially after the recent Social Security Fairness Act update. Here’s a full breakdown of who will receive payments on April 16, how much they may get, and what new regulations are now active.
Who Will Get Social Security Payments on April 16?
Social Security benefits are not paid to everyone on the same day. Instead, they are divided into four groups, based on the retiree’s birth date and when their benefits were approved.
Group 3 includes:
- Retirees whose benefits began after May 1997, and
- Those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of any month
If you meet both these conditions, your April 2025 payment will arrive on Wednesday, April 16. Other groups will receive their payments on different days in April.
How Much Will You Receive in 2025?
The Social Security benefit amount varies depending on each person’s work history and the age they retired.
Key amounts for 2025:
- Maximum monthly payment: $5,108 (at full retirement age or later)
- Average monthly payment: $1,500 to $2,000
- Typical new increase (from the Fairness Act):
- +$360/month for retirees
- +$700/month for spouses
- +$1,190/month for widows
Those who retired at age 70 and had high earnings over their working years can get up to $5,180 per month, according to updated regulations.
What Is the Social Security Fairness Act?
The Social Security Fairness Act, active from April 2025, has removed two major rules:
- Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) – previously reduced benefits for those with pensions from non-Social Security-covered jobs
- Government Pension Offset (GPO) – reduced survivor or spousal benefits
Removing these rules has led to higher monthly payments for many beneficiaries.
Other Key Changes to Social Security in 2025
Along with benefit increases, several important updates have been introduced:
1. Identity Change Verification
From April 14, most identity changes must be verified in person at a Social Security office. However, this does not apply to:
- Medicare applications
- Disability claims
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) cases
2. Direct Deposit Updates
Any change to your bank account details will now be processed within 1 business day, making it easier to avoid missed or delayed payments.
3. Over payment Recovery
If the SSA overpaid your benefits in the past, they will now recover the full amount by withholding your entire check each month until the debt is cleared. This rule does not apply to SSI beneficiaries or past arrangements.
Where to Get Help or More Information
You can visit the official Social Security website or go to your nearest SSA office for help with:
- Benefit amounts
- Birthdate-based payment dates
- Applying for Medicare, SSDI, or SSI
- Verifying identity and updating details
The SSA also provides phone support and online services for easier access.