As the federal government’s Social Security program undergoes major restructuring, many of the the nearly 69 million Americans who receive benefits are especially eager to see their monthly checks.
The newly-created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk and backed by the Trump administration, is eyeing Social Security as it seeks to cut down on federal spending. The program is seeing job cuts, office closings, a revamped customer service strategy and scrutiny for fraud.
About 7.4 million Americans who are disabled or have limited resources get monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments. About half of those who get SSI also get Social Security.
Here’s what to know about this year’s Social Security benefits.
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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.
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
Those who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) should get their payment for April 2025 on Tuesday, April 1. The Social Security Administration suggests that 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.
SSI 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)
What is the Social Security full retirement age for 2025?
The full, or “normal,” retirement age has gradually increased in recent years, rising by two months for each successive birth year. For example, if you were born in 1958, your full retirement age is 66 years and 8 months, while those born in 1959 will reach it at 66 years and 10 months.
According to the SSA, individuals born between May 2, 1958 and February 28, 1959, will reach their full retirement age in 2025. For those born in 1960 and later, the full retirement age will increase to 67.
Can people under the retirement age get their benefits now?
Yes, but there are consequences for tapping in too early. Workers can choose to receive benefits as early as age 62, though at a reduced amount. However, those who delay claiming benefits until age 70 are rewarded with a higher monthly payout.
Other changes to Social Security in 2025 include a smaller cost-of-living adjustment (2.5%, down from 3.4%), an increase in the maximum taxable earnings limit from $168,000 to $176,100, and expanded appointment-based services at Social Security offices nationwide.
What is the maximum Social Security benefit in 2025?
In 2024, the highest Social Security benefit for individuals retiring at full retirement age was $3,822 per month, according to the SSA. Due to certain inflation adjustments in how Social Security is calculated and how past earnings are adjusted for inflation, this maximum benefit will rise to $4,018 per month, totaling over $48,000 annually in 2025.
— USA TODAY contributed to this report.
