Social Security payments worth up to $1,720 are landing in bank accounts today for eligible U.S. retirees. But only Americans who meet two specific criteria will receive the latest round of direct deposits from the Social Security Administration.
Who’s Eligible for Today’s Payment?
The April 2025 Social Security payment schedule is divided into four distribution dates, and today’s payment is designated for a specific group:
- Group 1 retirees, which includes individuals who began receiving benefits before May 1997.
- Those without Direct Deposit, meaning they typically receive checks via mail and are now receiving a one-time direct deposit instead.
If you fall into both categories, your payment should already be processing—or arriving in the next few hours.
How Much Will You Receive?
The average payment retirees can expect is $1,720, although some higher earners may receive up to $5,180, which is the current maximum benefit. That amount, however, applies only to individuals who qualified for maximum earnings and delayed their retirement to age 70.
It’s important to note that April payments will not reflect any new COLA increases—the amounts will remain consistent with those received in February and March.
April 2025 Payment Calendar Overview
Here’s how the payment schedule breaks down for the rest of April:
| Payment Group | Eligibility Criteria | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Retired before May 1997 | April 3, 2025 |
| Group 2 | Birthday falls on 1st–10th of the month | April 10, 2025 |
| Group 3 | Birthday falls on 11th–20th of the month | April 17, 2025 |
| Group 4 | Birthday falls on 21st–31st of the month | April 24, 2025 |
Can You Boost Your Benefit Before May?
If you haven’t started collecting benefits yet, there’s still time to increase your Social Security check by up to 30%. Retirees who delay their claim until age 70 earn significantly more in lifetime benefits.
Additionally, maximizing your work history and earnings record before claiming can also result in larger monthly checks.
Don’t Forget About Other Payments
The IRS recently confirmed that over $1 billion in unclaimed stimulus checks are still available. Filing your taxes promptly could unlock one of these payments—potentially in addition to your Social Security benefits.
Eligible recipients may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or SNAP food assistance, depending on income level and household size.
Key Takeaways
- $1,720 payments are being issued today to Group 1 retirees without Direct Deposit.
- The rest of April’s checks follow a birthday-based schedule.
- COLA increases are already baked into 2025 payments but won’t change month-to-month.
- Delaying retirement or filing taxes now could lead to higher future payouts or stimulus check eligibility.
Stay Informed
To check your eligibility, track your payment status, or review your Social Security account, visit ssa.gov or use the mySocialSecurity portal. For those expecting additional benefits or stimulus, the IRS and state programs continue to update payment status and eligibility on their websites.