he Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially confirmed the retirement payment dates for April 2025. If you receive Social Security retirement benefits, knowing your exact payment date will help you plan your monthly budget.
There are four payment dates in April, depending on when you started receiving benefits and your birth date.
Let’s take a detailed look at the payment schedule, who qualifies, and how much you could receive.
Don’t Confuse Retirement Benefits with SSI
Before we begin, it’s important to understand the difference between:
- Social Security Retirement Benefits: Based on your work history, wages, and retirement age.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Given to people who are 65+ or disabled with low income, regardless of work history or Social Security contributions.
If you get both, your payment schedule might be slightly different.
Social Security Payment Dates for April 2025
The SSA has confirmed the following payment schedule for April 2025:
| Date | Who Will Receive Payment |
|---|---|
| April 3 | People who started receiving benefits before May 1997, or receive both SSI + SSA, or live abroad, or have Medicare premiums paid by the state. |
| April 9 | Retirees born between the 1st and 10th of any month (benefits started after May 1997). |
| April 16 | Retirees born between the 11th and 20th (benefits started after May 1997). |
| April 23 | Retirees born between the 21st and 31st (benefits started after May 1997). |
How Much Will You Receive in April 2025?
The amount you receive depends on many factors, such as:
- When you start collecting benefits
- Your highest 35 years of income
- Whether you claim benefits early or late
Here are some example benefit amounts based on the year you start:
| Claim Age | Approximate Monthly Benefit (2025) |
|---|---|
| 62 years | Up to $2,831 |
| 67 years | Up to $4,018 |
| 70 years | Up to $5,108 |
To qualify for the maximum benefit ($5,108) in 2025:
- You must wait until age 70 to start receiving Social Security.
- You must have earned the maximum taxable income for 35 years (projected to be $176,100 in 2025).
If you retire early (age 62), your monthly benefit is permanently reduced—around 30% less than what you’d receive at full retirement age (FRA).
How Are Social Security Benefits Calculated?
Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is the base benefit you get at your Full Retirement Age (67 for those born in 1960 or later). The SSA calculates this using:
- The average of your top 35 years of income
- A formula that favors lower and middle-income workers
- Adjustments for inflation and claim age
Delaying retirement increases your benefit by 8% per year up to age 70.