April is almost here, and with it comes the next round of Social Security payments. If you are receiving Social Security benefits—whether for retirement, disability, or as a survivor—you may be wondering when your check will arrive. The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a structured schedule to distribute payments, which depends on several factors, including your birth date and the type of benefits you receive.
This article will break down the exact Social Security payment dates for April, how payment schedules are determined, and what to do if you don’t receive your check on time.
When Will You Receive Your Social Security Payment in April?
The SSA follows a set schedule for sending out payments every month. In April, Social Security payments will be disbursed on four different dates. Your payment date depends on your birth date and whether you have been receiving benefits since before May 1997.
Here is the schedule for Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments in April:
- April 3: If you started receiving Social Security before May 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment will be sent on this date.
- April 10: If your birth date falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, you will receive your payment on the second Wednesday of April.
- April 17: If your birth date is between the 11th and 20th of the month, your check will arrive on the third Wednesday of April.
- April 24: If your birth date falls between the 21st and 31st of the month, you can expect your payment on the fourth Wednesday of April.
How Does the SSA Decide Your Payment Date?
The SSA determines your payment date primarily based on the day you were born. However, if you have been receiving Social Security since before May 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and SSI, your payment schedule is different. In these cases, your benefits are deposited on the 3rd of every month, unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday. If that happens, your payment will be sent on the previous business day.
For those who started receiving benefits after May 1997, the SSA follows the birth date-based schedule.
What About Other Government Benefits?
Not all government benefits are sent on the same day as Social Security. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment is typically deposited on the 1st of each month. However, if the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, your payment is sent on the last business day of the previous month.
For example, if the 1st of April was a Saturday, your SSI payment would have been sent on Friday, March 31.
What If Your Social Security Check Is Delayed or Missing?
If your Social Security payment does not arrive on the expected date, don’t panic. The SSA recommends waiting at least three additional mailing days before taking any action. If your check is still missing after that, follow these steps:
- Check Your Bank Account: If you receive direct deposits, verify whether the payment has been processed.
- Wait for Mail Delays: If you receive a paper check, remember that mail delays can occasionally cause late arrivals.
- Call the SSA: If your payment hasn’t arrived after three business days, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
- Visit a Local SSA Office: If you are unable to reach someone by phone, use the SSA’s office locator tool to find a nearby office.
The SSA notes that call wait times are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month.
Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Many retirees wonder whether delaying Social Security benefits can increase their payments. The answer is yes—if you wait until age 70 to claim Social Security, your monthly benefits will be significantly higher than if you start claiming at age 62. This is because delaying your benefits allows you to accumulate delayed retirement credits, which increase your payment amount.
Here’s a general breakdown of how waiting to claim Social Security affects your benefits:
- Claiming at 62: You will receive reduced benefits (approximately 25-30% less than your full retirement age amount).
- Claiming at Full Retirement Age (66-67): You will receive 100% of your benefits.
- Claiming at 70: You will receive increased benefits, with up to an 8% increase per year after full retirement age.
If you don’t urgently need the income, waiting until 70 can be a great strategy to maximize your monthly check.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Social Security payment schedule can help you plan your finances better. Remember, your birth date determines when you will receive your check, unless you started receiving benefits before May 1997. If your payment is late, be patient and follow the steps above to resolve the issue.
If you are planning for retirement, consider delaying your benefits until age 70 to maximize your monthly payments. Stay informed and check with the SSA for any updates on your benefits.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.