For millions of Americans who rely on Social Security to keep food on the table and lights on in their homes, knowing exactly when their next payment will arrive matters. Whether you’re a retiree, a disabled worker, or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the timing of your check is often the difference between stability and financial stress.
As April moves forward, here’s what you need to know about Social Security payments, possible extra stimulus money, and how to check if you’re eligible.
When Will You Get Your April Social Security Check?
The Social Security Administration doesn’t pay everyone on the same day. Instead, the schedule depends on when you started receiving benefits and your birth date. Here’s a breakdown of how it works this month:
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April 3: If you’ve been getting Social Security since before May 1997, your check arrived or will arrive around this date.
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April 10: If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month, this is your payday.
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April 17: If you were born between the 11th and 20th, your payment will land on this date.
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April 24: If your birthday is from the 21st to the end of the month, expect your payment then.
If you’re an SSI recipient, your monthly payment typically arrives on the first of the month. That means April 1 was payday for you.
Could You Still Be Owed a Stimulus Check?
While there hasn’t been a new federal stimulus package for 2025, the IRS recently confirmed that nearly one million Americans may still be owed money from the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. These are leftover payments from the third round of stimulus checks issued during the pandemic.
If you didn’t file a 2021 tax return, you still have time. The deadline to claim this credit is April 15, 2025. If you’re eligible, you could receive up to $1,400—and the IRS says you don’t even need to amend your return to get it.
This is especially important for lower-income individuals and retirees who might not have been required to file in the first place. So even if you haven’t filed taxes in years, this could be a lifeline worth looking into.
What About State-Level Payments?
Even though the federal government hasn’t approved new stimulus funds, a few states are stepping up. In New York, for example, eligible residents may receive a one-time payment of up to $400 to help with inflation-related costs. Other states are offering rebates, credits, or direct payments depending on your income and tax filings.
Every state is different, so it’s worth checking your local Department of Revenue or tax authority for updates.
Cost-of-Living Boosts for 2025
There was a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) at the start of 2025, which means your check may be a bit larger than it was last year.
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Individuals on SSI can now receive up to $967 per month.
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Couples receiving SSI may get up to $1,450 combined.
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If someone qualifies as an “essential person” helping a disabled recipient, they can receive up to $484 monthly.
While it’s not a huge jump, every dollar counts—especially when groceries and rent keep rising.
Am I Still Eligible for Benefits?
To receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you generally need a solid work history and must have paid into the system. SSI, on the other hand, is income-based. To qualify for SSI in 2025:
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Your monthly income should be below $987 (individuals).
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Your resources (like savings) should not exceed $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the Social Security Administration’s website has tools to help you check your status.
How to Check the Status of Your Payment
The easiest way to check when your payment is coming—or if you’re eligible for extra stimulus money—is through the SSA’s “My Social Security” portal. It’s free, easy to set up, and shows your payment history, upcoming dates, and how much you should expect.
If you’re still waiting for money you think you’re owed, the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool can help track stimulus credits.
Final Thoughts
With so many depending on their Social Security checks just to make it through the month, April’s payments—and the possibility of a surprise stimulus refund—can offer a small but meaningful bit of relief.
If you or someone you know is still struggling to understand the system, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Community centers, AARP branches, and even some libraries offer assistance in navigating benefits and payments.
Because when every dollar matters, getting what you’re owed isn’t just important—it’s essential.
