Social Security Payment on April 16, 2025: Who Gets Paid and How Much to Expect
April 16, 2025, will be an important date for a specific group of American retirees. On this day, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue monthly retirement payments to Group 3 beneficiaries—one of four groups that determine when Social Security checks are distributed throughout each month.
If you’re a Social Security retiree or planning to retire soon, it’s essential to know which group you belong to, when your payment arrives, and how your birth date and retirement year affect your schedule. Here’s everything you need to know about the April 16 payment and how to find out if you’re eligible.
What Is Group 3 and Who Gets Paid on April 16, 2025?
Group 3 includes retirees who meet two specific conditions:
- You started receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997.
- Your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of any month—including both the 11th and the 20th.
If both apply to you, then you’re part of Group 3 and will receive your monthly Social Security payment on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. There’s no need to apply separately or make any changes; the SSA schedules your payments automatically based on your details.
If you’re not part of Group 3, don’t worry. The next round of payments in April is scheduled for April 23, and that will go to Group 4 retirees, who also began receiving benefits after May 1997 and have birthdays between the 21st and 31st of any month.
Can I Change My Social Security Payment Date?
No, you cannot change your payment date. Once your retirement is approved and your benefit start date is locked in, the SSA assigns a payment group based on your birthday. This system ensures consistent and manageable scheduling for the administration of payments to millions of retirees.
How Much Will You Receive on April 16?
The amount of your Social Security payment depends on your:
- Work history (how long and how much you’ve contributed to Social Security)
- Age at retirement (early, full retirement age, or delayed retirement)
- Lifetime earnings
Here are some 2025 benchmarks for retirement benefits:
- Maximum benefit: $5,108 per month (for those who delay retirement until age 70 with a strong earning record)
- Average benefit: Around $1,900 to $2,100
- Many retirees in Group 3 can expect checks ranging between $1,200 and $3,500, depending on individual earnings and retirement age
How Are Payment Dates Assigned for Social Security Retirees?
The SSA divides retirees into four groups based on retirement year and date of birth:
- Group 1: Retired before May 1997 – paid on the 1st or 3rd of the month
- Group 2: Retired after May 1997, birthdays from 1st to 10th – paid on second Wednesday
- Group 3: Retired after May 1997, birthdays from 11th to 20th – paid on third Wednesday
- Group 4: Retired after May 1997, birthdays from 21st to 31st – paid on fourth Wednesday
So, for Group 3, April 16, 2025, is the designated payment date.
How to Check Your Payment Status
To confirm your status and see when your next payment will arrive, use one of the following tools:
- My Social Security account at ssa.gov
- SSA phone support: 1-800-772-1213 (available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Direct deposit notifications from your bank
What If You Don’t Receive Your Check?
If your check hasn’t arrived by three business days after your expected payment date (in this case, April 21), contact the SSA. Most payment delays are due to:
- Incorrect bank details
- Recent changes in address or account information
- Temporary system delays
If you’re a retiree whose birthday falls between the 11th and 20th and who started collecting Social Security after May 1997, you can expect your monthly benefit to arrive on April 16, 2025. Payments can range widely depending on your lifetime earnings and retirement age, with a maximum potential benefit of $5,108 per month in 2025.
Staying informed about your Social Security group and payment date helps you plan your finances better and avoid any surprises. Whether you’re a new retiree or have been receiving benefits for years, knowing your payment schedule ensures you stay on track.
