You might’ve seen headlines or social media posts claiming that people are getting $5,108 in direct checks this April. Sounds like great news, right? But before you start planning how to spend it, let’s clear up what’s real—and what isn’t.
What’s the $5,108 Payment Really About?
To put it simply: this isn’t a new stimulus check or surprise deposit from the government.
That $5,108 figure is actually the maximum monthly Social Security retirement benefit someone can receive in 2025. But very few people qualify for that amount—it’s based on a perfect storm of long work history, high annual earnings, and delaying your retirement until age 70.
So, unless you’ve worked for decades at a high-paying job and waited to collect benefits until you hit 70, this likely isn’t the amount you’ll see in your bank account.
How Much Do Most People Get From Social Security?
Most retirees get a lot less. Here’s a rough idea of what monthly payments look like depending on when you start collecting:
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If you retire early at 62, you might get about $2,700/month.
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If you wait until full retirement age (67), the average is closer to $3,800/month.
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And only if you maxed out your earnings and delayed until 70 would you see anything close to $5,108 per month.
When Will You Get Paid in April?
The Social Security Administration sends payments based on your birthday:
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April 3 – If you started getting benefits before May 1997
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April 10 – If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th
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April 17 – Birthdays between the 11th and 20th
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April 24 – Birthdays between the 21st and end of the month
If you’re on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), those payments usually arrive on the 1st of the month.
Is There a New Stimulus Check Coming?
No, there’s no new $5,108 stimulus check. But if you missed the third stimulus payment ($1,400) from back in 2021, there’s still time to claim it.
You’ll need to file a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025 and apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit. It’s basically your last shot to get that money.
Need to Check Your Eligibility?
If you want to know how much you qualify for or when your payment’s arriving:
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Visit ssa.gov for Social Security info
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Check your IRS credits at irs.gov
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Or call 1-800-772-1213 for help straight from the source
That $5,108 check? It’s real, but only for a small group of folks who hit every high-earning benchmark. For most people, Social Security will look a little different—but it’s still money you’ve earned over a lifetime of work.
