If you receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivorship benefits, there’s good news! The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed payment dates for the second group of beneficiaries in April 2025. These payments include new adjustments and benefit increases under recent law changes. Let’s go over the dates, amounts, and who will receive extra money this month.
Who Gets Paid on April 16, 2025?
If you started receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997, your payment depends on your birthday. Payments are sent on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of each month:
- April 9: For those born between the 1st and 10th of any month
- April 16: For birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- April 23: For people born between the 21st and 31st
So, if your birthday falls between April 11 and 20, you will receive your retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits on Wednesday, April 16.
Who Qualifies for Social Security Benefits?
There are three main types of Social Security payments:
- Retirement benefits: You need at least 40 work credits (about 10 years of work). The amount depends on your lifetime earnings and the age you choose to retire.
- Disability benefits (SSDI): You must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least one year or could lead to death.
- Survivor benefits: Given to spouses, children, or dependent parents of someone who has passed away and qualified for Social Security.
Once SSDI beneficiaries reach retirement age, their disability benefits change to retirement payments automatically.
Average and Maximum Social Security Benefits in April 2025
In April 2025, Social Security payments increased due to a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA):
- Average monthly retirement benefit: $1,976
- Average benefit for couples: $3,089
- Maximum benefit at age 62: $2,831
- Maximum at full retirement age: $4,018
- Maximum at age 70 (with delayed retirement): $5,108
These maximum figures apply only to people who had high incomes for at least 35 years and paid into Social Security at the taxable income limit, which is $176,100 in 2025.
SSI Payments in 2025
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is different from regular Social Security. It helps people with low income and few resources:
- Maximum SSI for individuals: $967 per month
- Maximum for couples: $1,450 per month
SSI doesn’t require a work history and is based on financial need.
Earning Limits While Receiving Benefits
If you’re working while receiving benefits, your monthly payment might be reduced if:
- You earn more than $23,400 (if you’re under 67 years old)
- You earn more than $62,160 (in the year you reach full retirement age)
These earnings rules do not apply to those who are already receiving the maximum benefit.
The Social Security Fairness Act: Big Changes in 2025
One of the biggest updates for 2025 is the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act. This law, active from January 2025, ended the WEP and GPO rules, which had reduced benefits for public workers like:
- Teachers
- Firefighters
- Federal employees
As a result, the SSA distributed over $7.5 billion in retroactive payments in February and March. More than 1.1 million people received an average of $6,700 each.
Starting in April 2025, the monthly increase is:
- $360 extra for retirees
- $700 for spouses
- $1,190 for widows
However, due to staffing cuts and tech changes under the DOGE department, some payments may face delays. The SSA advises waiting until late April before raising any concerns about missing adjustments.
April 2025 brings good news for Social Security beneficiaries, especially those affected by outdated rules. If your birthday falls between April 11 and 20, your payment will arrive on April 16. You may also see higher payments this month due to COLA increases and the new Social Security Fairness Act.
If you’re eligible for a boost, wait until the end of April before checking for errors or missing amounts. This month marks a positive shift in how the system treats public workers and others who were unfairly penalized in the past.
