Millions of Americans rely on monthly payments from Social Security programs and Veterans Affairs to make ends meet — and this April, some recipients could see their deposits total up to $5,044. But before you start planning how to spend that money, here’s what you need to know about who qualifies, when the payments are arriving, and why this amount is even on the table.
What’s Behind the $5,044 Amount?
Let’s get one thing straight: not everyone is getting a $5,044 check this month. That’s the combined total a person could receive if they’re eligible for the maximum benefits across three programs — SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), and VA (Veterans Affairs) benefits.
In reality, most recipients only get one or two of these. But if you qualify for all three and meet the highest payout criteria, that big number is possible.
When Will Payments Arrive in April?
The April payment schedule is already underway, and depending on what kind of benefit you get and when you were born, your money might already be in your account — or it’s on the way soon.
SSI Recipients: If you’re on SSI, you should’ve received your payment on Monday, April 1st. That’s the regular payday each month unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
SSDI and Social Security Retirement: These are paid out based on your birthdate:
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If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th, you’ll be paid on Wednesday, April 10th.
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Birthdays from the 11th to the 20th will see deposits on Wednesday, April 17th.
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Birthdays from the 21st to 31st get paid on Wednesday, April 24th.
And if you started receiving Social Security before May 1997, your deposit should have come on April 3rd.
VA Benefits: For veterans, monthly payments were also issued on April 1st, since that was the first business day of the month.
Who Qualifies for These Payments?
The amount you receive — and whether you qualify at all — depends on the program.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income):
SSI is designed to help seniors (65+), people with disabilities, and those who are blind and have very limited income and resources. The maximum federal payment for 2025 is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples. Some states may kick in extra on top of that.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance):
To get SSDI, you must have a qualifying disability and a work history (you earned work credits by paying into Social Security). In 2025, the average monthly SSDI benefit is about $1,537, but it can go up to $3,822 for those with higher lifetime earnings.
VA Disability Benefits:
Veterans with service-connected disabilities can qualify for VA compensation. The amount depends on your disability rating and whether you have dependents. For example, a single vet with a 100% disability rating gets about $3,738 a month. Add dependents, and the amount increases.
What If You Didn’t Get Paid?
If you were expecting a deposit this month but haven’t seen anything yet, don’t panic just yet. Here’s what you can do:
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Wait at least three business days after your scheduled payment date.
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Check with your bank — sometimes the holdup is on their end.
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If there’s still no sign of your money, contact the Social Security Administration or VA for help.
What’s the Best Way to Stay on Top of Your Benefits?
It’s easy to get confused with changing dates, COLA increases, and overlapping benefits. To avoid surprises, make it a habit to:
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Log into your My Social Security or VA.gov account.
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Double-check your bank account around the expected deposit date.
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Follow official updates — especially around the start of the year when payment amounts may change.
The Bottom Line
The potential for a $5,044 benefit payment this April is real — but it’s not common. Most recipients will receive much less, depending on what they qualify for. Still, it’s a great time to review your benefits and make sure you’re getting everything you’re eligible for.
Whether you’re counting on SSDI, SSI, or VA compensation, the key is staying informed and proactive.
