Thousands of Americans are set to receive their new retirement payments on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. These monthly checks are issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and may be slightly higher than last year thanks to the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
If you already receive a Social Security retirement benefit, it’s important to check your eligibility group to see when you’ll receive your April payment, and to make sure your payment method is set up for fast delivery.
Who Will Receive a Retirement Payment on April 9?
On April 9, the SSA will send retirement checks to individuals who fall into Payment Group 2. To qualify for this group, you must meet both of the following requirements:
- You started receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997
- Your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month
If you meet these conditions, you can expect your retirement, disability, or spousal benefit to arrive on April 9, especially if you have direct deposit enabled.
This group includes:
- Retirees who receive benefits based on age
- Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Spouses and other qualifying beneficiaries
Also See:- IRS Schedule for New Tax Refund: April 2025 Stimulus Check Still Available
What If You’re Not in Group 2?
If you don’t qualify for Group 2, don’t worry—you’ll still receive your payment this month. Social Security payments are sent out on a staggered schedule, based on the beneficiary’s birth date and benefit start date.
Here’s a breakdown of the other April 2025 payment dates:
- April 16 – For beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th
- April 23 – For those born between the 21st and 31st
These payments apply only to those who started receiving benefits after May 1997. If you began receiving benefits before May 1997, you likely received your payment on April 3.
Why Direct Deposit Is the Best Option
While you can still receive your Social Security check by mail or another method, direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to get your money.
With direct deposit:
- Payments are made immediately on the scheduled date
- You don’t have to wait for the mail
- Your funds go straight into your bank account
If you don’t have direct deposit enabled, your payment may take a few extra days to arrive depending on the mail delivery or processing delays.
To avoid unnecessary delays, it’s strongly recommended that all beneficiaries activate direct deposit through their My Social Security account or by contacting the SSA.
Plan Your Finances Around These Dates
Knowing exactly when your Social Security payment arrives is important for budgeting household expenses, especially if your benefits are your primary source of income.
If you’re in Group 2, and have direct deposit activated, you should see your payment in your account on April 9. If you haven’t received it by April 12, give it a few more days, and if needed, contact the SSA for assistance.
It’s always good to stay updated on the payment schedule so that you can manage bills, rent, groceries, and other monthly costs with peace of mind.