Millions of Social Security beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month will receive their April payments on Wednesday, April 23, marking the final disbursement for the month. This round of payments includes a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) implemented in January 2025 to help retirees offset inflation, which remains at 2.8% nationally, according to a Yahoo Finance report.
How much can one receive on the April 23 payment?
The April 23 payment applies to retirees, survivors, and disability beneficiaries who began receiving benefits after May 1997 and whose birthdays fall in the latter third of the month 19. Recipients who retired at age 62 can expect an average monthly payment of $2831 while those who delayed retirement may receive up to $5108, depending on their earnings history, says a Marca report.
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For millions of retirees in the U.S., Social Security isn’t just a monthly check, but rather the bedrock of their financial survival. After decades of work and payroll contributions, these payments often cover non-negotiable expenses like rent, medications, and groceries. With many relying entirely on this income, payment dates are circled on calendars as both a source of relief and necessity.
As the next deposit approaches, common questions arise: Who qualifies for the upcoming payment? and How can retirees secure the highest possible benefits? While the Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a fixed payment schedule based on birthdates and enrollment timelines, experts note there are legitimate ways to optimize one’s monthly amount.
Social Security distributes payments in three waves each month:
1st–10th birthdays: Second Wednesday of the month.
11th–20th birthdays: Third Wednesday.
21st–31st birthdays: Fourth Wednesday.
Recipients who started claiming benefits before May 1997 receive payments on the 3rd of each month, regardless of birthdate. Those unsure of their schedule can check their Social Security account or contact the SSA directly.
For beneficiaries enrolled in Direct Deposit, funds will arrive on April 23 itself. Paper checks, however, may face delays due to mail processing times, though the Social Security Administration (SSA) is claiming that all checks will transition to digital payments by September 30, 2025, under a federal mandate 713. Moreover, in the case of missing payments, the SSA advises waiting three business days before contacting their office at 1-800-772-1213, as per their official website. Moreover, For more details, one can also visit the SSA’s official portal at ssa.gov.
As the economy evolves, Social Security remains a lifeline for over 70 million Americans—a role underscored by this month’s carefully calibrated disbursements.
Strategies to boost Social Security benefits
While the SSA’s formula calculates payments based on lifetime earnings and claiming age, retirees have options to increase their checks:
Delay Claiming: Waiting beyond full retirement age (67 for most) boosts monthly payments by 8% annually until age 70.
Work Longer: Extending one’s career replaces low-earning years in the SSA’s 35-year average, lifting the benefit base.
Spousal Benefits: Married couples can coordinate claims to maximize combined payouts, particularly if one spouse earned significantly more.
Financial advisors stress that planning early is key. For example, a retiree claiming at 70 could receive up to 24% more monthly than someone claiming at 67. However, individual circumstances—like health or financial need—may justify earlier claims.
