The future of Social Security is top of mind for millions of Americans who get a monthly check from the benefits program.

As part of the Trump administration’s efforts to cut federal spending, Social Security is enduring job cuts, office closings, a revamped customer service strategy – and scrutiny for fraud.Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently said if Social Security “didn’t send out their checks this month. My mother-in-law who’s 94, she wouldn’t call and complain,” as part of the reasoning for possibly skipping a payment to root out fraudsters.

“Whoever screams is the one stealing,” he said during an appearance on the “All-In” podcast. “Come on, your mother, 80-year-olds, 90-year-olds, they trust the government.”

Not sure all mothers agree with that, but for now, we are trusting Social Security payments for April will soon be going out to the 69 million or so Americans who are older and retired, plus those who have a qualifying disability. 

Social Security payments for most recipients come out on Wednesdays throughout the month. So, if your birthdate falls between the first and 10th of the month, you are paid on the second Wednesday of the month; between the 11th and 20th, you’re paid on the third Wednesday, and if you were born after the 20th of the month, you get paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month, according to the Social Security Administration’s calendar.

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Those who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) should get their payment for April 2025 on Tuesday, April 1. The Social Security Administration suggests if you don’t receive your payment on the expected date, allow three additional mailing days before contacting the agency; most arrive timely because 99% of beneficiaries are paid electronically.

SSI recipients will get two checks in May – one on May 1 (the check for May 2025) and a second on May 30 (the check for June). For months when the first of the month falls on a federal holiday or a weekend, SSI benefits are issued early – June 1 is a Sunday.

About 7.4 million Americans who may be disabled or have limited resources get monthly SSI benefit payments. About half of those who get SSI also get Social Security.

April Social Security payment schedule

The Social Security Administration’s yearly distribution schedules for 2025 and 2026 are available online so that you can use the calendar for budgeting purposes.

Regular Social Security retirement benefits will be sent out on the SSA’s usual schedule:

• Wednesday, April 9: Birth dates between the first and 10th of the month.
• Wednesday, April 16: Birth dates between the 11th and the 20th of the month.
• Wednesday, April 23: Birth dates between the 21st and the 31st of the month.

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What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income provides monthly benefits to those with limited income or resources who are 65 or older, blind or have a qualifying disability. Children with a qualifying disability can also get SSI, according to the SSA’s website.

In general, adults who qualify for SSI do not have monthly wages above $2,019.

Those who may be eligible for SSI can begin the application process online, in person at your local Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time during the work week.

SSI payment schedule for 2025

Supplemental Security Income checks will be sent out on the following dates in 2025, according to the SSA calendar.

• Tuesday, April 1, 2025 (Check for April 2025)
• Thursday, May 1, 2025 (Check for May 2025)
• Friday, May 30, 2025 (Check for June 2025)
• Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (Check for July 2025)
• Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 (Check for August 2025)
• Friday, Aug. 30, 2025 (Check for September 2025)
• Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 (Check for October 2025)
• Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (Check for November 2025)
• Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Check for December 2025)
• Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (Check for January 2026)

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