If you’re one of the millions of Americans who rely on Social Security benefits each month, you’re probably keeping a close eye on your bank account this April. With inflation still putting pressure on household budgets, every dollar counts — and knowing when your money is coming is half the battle.
So, when exactly will Social Security checks go out this month? And is there really a new stimulus check coming for seniors? Here’s everything you need to know.
April Payment Dates: What to Expect
Social Security payments in April are going out just like they do every month — on a staggered schedule based on your birth date.
Here’s the breakdown:
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If you started receiving benefits before May 1997, you should have received your check on April 3.
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If you were born between the 1st and 10th of the month, your check is scheduled for April 10.
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If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, you’ll get paid on April 17.
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Those with birthdays from the 21st to the end of the month will be paid on April 24.
For people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), those payments went out earlier, on April 1.
And if your check hasn’t shown up yet? The Social Security Administration asks you to wait three additional mailing days before calling in. Delays can happen due to bank processing times or holidays, so give it a little breathing room.
Is a New Stimulus Check on the Way?
You might have seen headlines or posts on social media claiming that a $697 stimulus check is coming for Social Security recipients. Let’s clear that up: as of now, there is no confirmed fourth stimulus check or any direct payment of $697 officially approved by the federal government.
The confusion stems from a few proposals that have been circulating in Congress, as well as ongoing calls from advocacy groups to issue more relief for seniors and people with disabilities. While there’s interest, nothing has been signed into law yet.
If you’re hearing about stimulus payments, it’s always a good idea to check directly with the Social Security Administration or IRS.gov. Misinformation spreads fast — especially online.
Big Changes in 2025: Why Your Check Might Be Higher
One thing that is real? Some recipients are seeing slightly higher checks this year — and not just because of the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which was set at 3.2% for 2025.
Thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, which took effect earlier this year, certain retirees are now receiving larger monthly payments. That law removed two long-criticized rules — the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) — which previously reduced benefits for people who also had pensions from non-Social Security-covered jobs.
The result? An estimated 3 million people are now eligible for retroactive payments or higher monthly benefits. Some individuals have received one-time adjustments up to $5,100 to make up for lost income.
If you think you might qualify but haven’t seen a change in your benefits yet, it’s worth reaching out to the SSA or checking your latest benefits statement online.
April 15 Was the Final Day to Claim Past Stimulus Payments
One more important note: April 15, 2025, wasn’t just Tax Day — it was also the last chance to claim any missing COVID-19 stimulus money from 2021. According to the IRS, about 1.1 million people were still eligible to claim up to $1,400 but hadn’t filed the required paperwork.
If you missed the deadline, unfortunately, the window has now closed. But if you did file in time, those payments could hit your account or mailbox in the coming weeks.
Stay Up to Date and Be Cautious
Navigating Social Security and government benefits can feel overwhelming, but the most important thing you can do is stay informed. Always rely on trusted sources — like the SSA website or official government news outlets — and be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true, especially online.
And remember, if you have any concerns about your payment, don’t hesitate to call Social Security directly or set up an online account to manage your benefits more easily.
