Social Security Retirement Payment in April 2025: Who Gets Paid Next and How to Qualify
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is actively sending out April 2025 retirement payments to millions of eligible U.S. citizens. While some retirees have already received their checks this month, others are still waiting for their scheduled payment. Whether you’re next in line depends on two important factors: your retirement year and your birthday.
Each Social Security payday is assigned based on these details, and your payment date is fixed once your benefit is approved. If you’re expecting a retirement check this month and want to know whether you’re in the next group to get paid, this guide will help you find out.
Who Gets the April 16, 2025 Social Security Payment?
The next official Social Security payment date is Wednesday, April 16, 2025. To be eligible for this specific payday, you must:
- Have started receiving benefits after May 1997, and
- Have a birthday between the 11th and 20th of any month
This group of retirees is officially known as Group 3. If you meet both of the above conditions, your monthly retirement benefit will be deposited on April 16—especially if you’ve signed up for Direct Deposit. Those who receive their checks by mail will need to wait a few extra days for the physical check to arrive.
Direct Deposit Advantage
If you haven’t yet switched to Direct Deposit, now is a good time to consider it. This method ensures:
- Faster access to your funds
- No risk of mail delays or check theft
- Automatic deposits on the exact payday
To enroll, log in to your My Social Security account at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
Who Will Get Paid After April 16?
If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, and you also retired after May 1997, then you belong to Group 4. Your payment will arrive on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
If you retired before May 1997, you are part of Group 1, and your monthly check was already paid on the 1st or 3rd of the month.
Minimum Requirements to Claim Social Security in 2025
If you haven’t yet applied for Social Security benefits and are planning to do so this year, it’s important to understand the basic requirements to qualify:
- Minimum age: You must be 62 years old to apply for retirement benefits.
- Work history: You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years (equivalent to 40 work credits).
Meeting these two requirements qualifies you for a monthly benefit. However, the amount will be much lower if you claim benefits as soon as you’re eligible at 62.
How to Maximize Your Retirement Payment
To get the highest possible Social Security benefit, the following steps are key:
- Delay retirement until age 70 to receive delayed retirement credits
- Earn a high income during your working years, as benefits are based on your earnings history
- Work at least 35 years, since the SSA calculates your benefit using the average of your top 35 years of earnings
By doing so, you could receive up to $5,108 per month in 2025, which is the maximum possible Social Security retirement payment.
How Much Will You Actually Receive?
Not everyone receives the maximum benefit. Most retirees get between $1,800 and $2,500 per month, depending on their earnings, age at retirement, and work history. The earlier you retire, the lower your monthly benefit will be.
The next round of Social Security retirement payments will be made on April 16, 2025, for eligible Group 3 retirees. If you retired after May 1997 and your birthday is between the 11th and 20th, you’ll receive your check on this date—especially if you’ve activated Direct Deposit.
For those not yet receiving benefits, you’ll need to meet the minimum age and work requirements to apply. And if you’re aiming for the highest benefit possible, consider delaying retirement and maintaining steady income throughout your working life.
