The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue its next round of monthly payments on April 9. The payment is part of the SSA’s staggered distribution system, which schedules checks based on a beneficiary’s birth date and the date they began receiving benefits.
Who Will Be Paid On April 9?
This round of payments is for retirees who:
- Were born between the 1st and 10th of any month, and
- Began receiving benefits after May 1997
If both apply to you, expect your direct deposit or paper check to arrive on April 9.
Social Security will issue its next payment on April 9, 2025, to post-May 1997 retirees born between the 1st and 10th. Social Security will issue its next payment on April 9, 2025, to post-May 1997 retirees born between the 1st and 10th. Bradley C. Bower/AP
Understanding SSA’s Monthly Payment Schedule
For those who started receiving Social Security after May 1997, payments are issued in three waves each month:
- Second Wednesday: Birthdays on the 1st-10th
- Third Wednesday: Birthdays on the 11th-20th
- Fourth Wednesday: Birthdays on the 21st-31st
That makes April 9 the first wave of post-1997 retiree payments for the month.
If you began receiving benefits on or before May 1997, you follow a different schedule and typically receive your check on the 3rd of each month, regardless of your birth date.
2.5 Percent COLA Still Boosting 2025 Payments
Each payment issued in 2025 includes the latest 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which went into effect in January 2025. The COLA is designed to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation and rising costs of living such as food, housing and medical care.
Though applied at the start of the year, the ongoing adjustment ensures that payments are higher than they were in 2024.
How Much Could You Receive?
Benefit amounts vary based on factors like your earnings history, age of retirement and claiming strategy. For 2025, here’s what the SSA reports:
- Maximum benefit at age 62: $2,831
- Maximum benefit at age 70: $5,108
- Average monthly benefit: About $1,976
Claiming later (up to age 70) results in significantly higher monthly benefits, though personal circumstances often guide when someone chooses to retire.
What If Your Payment Is Late?
While most Social Security payments are made on time—especially via direct deposit—delays can happen because of holidays, banking issues or outdated information.
If your payment doesn’t show up on April 9, here’s what the SSA recommends:
- Wait three full business days before taking action
- Check your My Social Security account for notifications or status updates
- Contact your bank to rule out internal delays
- If the issue persists, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213
Most delays are easily resolved and rarely require further follow-up.
Other Key Social Security Updates For 2025
In addition to the 2.5 percent COLA, several other Social Security changes are now in effect:
- The maximum taxable earnings cap has risen to $176,100, meaning high earners pay Social Security tax on a greater portion of their income.
- The full retirement age (FRA) has increased to 67 for those born in 1960 or later. This is the age at which beneficiaries can receive 100 percent of their earned benefit.
The adjustments reflect broader efforts to keep the Social Security program financially sustainable as life expectancy rises and the ratio of workers to retirees continues to decline.
Stay On Top Of Your Benefits
The My Social Security online portal remains the best tool for managing your benefits. Through your account, you can:
- Verify upcoming payment dates
- View detailed benefit statements
- Update your personal or banking information
Enrolling in direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive your monthly check—and ensures the fewest payment delays.
