On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue a new round of monthly payments to eligible recipients. These disbursements follow the SSA’s standard payment schedule and are part of a staggered distribution system designed to spread payments across the month.
The checks going out on this date will average approximately $2,000, thanks to the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which increased benefits slightly for 2025.
If you’re a Social Security beneficiary, it’s important to know where you fall on the SSA’s payment calendar. Depending on your birth date and the date you started receiving benefits, you may be among those getting paid on April 23.
April 23: Who Will Get Paid?
The SSA pays benefits based on two factors:
- Your birthday
- The date you began collecting Social Security
Those born between the 21st and 31st of any month and who started collecting benefits after May 1997 will receive their April payment on the fourth Wednesday of the month—this year, that date is April 23.
This applies to:
- Retired workers
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients
- Spouses and survivors receiving benefits
Those who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 are paid on the third of each month, regardless of birthday. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is paid on the first of the month.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the April 2025 schedule:
| Payment Date | Eligible Group |
|---|---|
| April 1 | SSI recipients |
| April 3 | Pre-May 1997 retirees |
| April 9 | Birthdays 1st–10th |
| April 16 | Birthdays 11th–20th |
| April 23 | Birthdays 21st–31st |
How Much Will You Receive?
For 2025, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit rose to $1,976, reflecting the 2.6% COLA increase announced by the SSA in late 2024. While many recipients will see payments close to this amount, some will receive more or less based on several factors:
- Lifetime earnings
- Age of retirement
- Type of benefits (retirement, SSDI, survivor)
While $2,000 is a rough average for many retirees, those who waited to claim benefits at full retirement age—or even delayed to age 70—may receive significantly more. Conversely, those who started early or had lower lifetime earnings will see smaller checks.
For the official COLA update and a full breakdown of average benefits, visit the SSA’s 2025 COLA Fact Sheet.
How to Check If You’re Getting a Payment
The best way to confirm whether you’re receiving a payment on April 23 is to check your My Social Security account online. This digital portal allows beneficiaries to:
- View upcoming payment dates
- Track benefit amounts
- Download tax documents
- Update direct deposit information
You can register for or access your account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
If you believe you’re due for a payment but it hasn’t arrived by April 26, the SSA advises waiting three additional mailing days before reporting the delay.
What to Do With Your Check
With inflation still affecting prices across the board—from groceries to utilities—many seniors and disabled Americans rely heavily on their Social Security benefits to make ends meet. Here are a few tips for managing your April 23 payment wisely:
- Create a budget: Allocate funds for essential expenses like rent, utilities, and prescriptions.
- Avoid overdraft fees: Knowing the exact deposit date can help avoid bounced payments or penalties.
- Look into assistance programs: Those with lower benefits may also qualify for Medicare savings, SNAP benefits, or utility assistance.
- Plan ahead for COLA changes: Benefits may change again in 2026 depending on inflation, so staying updated can help you adjust your budget accordingly.
Future Payment Outlook
The Social Security system continues to face scrutiny over long-term funding, but for now, monthly payments remain reliable. COLA increases are applied annually based on inflation data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The 2.6% increase for 2025 provided a modest boost, but whether 2026 will offer further relief remains to be seen.
If inflation trends continue, another COLA adjustment is likely. The SSA will announce the 2026 increase in October 2025.
Conclusion
If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st and you started receiving Social Security after May 1997, then April 23, 2025, is your payday. With an average benefit of $2,000, this payment is a crucial part of monthly financial planning for millions of Americans.
To stay informed, manage your payments online, and take advantage of related assistance programs. For more details on upcoming checks, visit the official SSA Payment Schedule and keep an eye on future announcements.
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