Millions of Americans are set to receive Social Security checks averaging $2,000 on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. This marks the fourth and final payment cycle for April under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) monthly schedule. If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any month, you may be among those receiving a deposit this week.
Here’s everything you need to know — from eligibility and payment schedules to factors contributing to this month’s benefit amount.
Who Gets Paid on April 23?
The Social Security Administration distributes retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits in a staggered fashion based on the beneficiary’s date of birth. According to the SSA’s payment calendar, the monthly payment schedule follows this structure:
- Birthdays on the 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday of the month
- Birthdays on the 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday
- Birthdays on the 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
For April, that final group — those born between the 21st and 31st — will receive their payment on Wednesday, April 23.
This staggered schedule applies to those who began receiving benefits after May 1997. Beneficiaries who started before May 1997 typically receive their payments on the third of each month, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
Why the $2,000 Average Check?
Several recent changes have influenced the average Social Security benefit, bumping it closer to the $2,000 mark:
1. Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025
A 2.5% COLA increase was implemented in January 2025 to help retirees and beneficiaries keep up with inflation. This adjustment raised the average monthly retirement benefit to around $1,900, with many individuals receiving more depending on their earnings record and retirement age. You can learn more about COLA on the official SSA website.
2. Social Security Fairness Act of 2025
Passed in January 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act repealed two long-criticized provisions: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These changes mean that many retirees — particularly those who also received public pensions — are now receiving higher monthly payments.
According to the SSA, more than 1.1 million beneficiaries received over $7.5 billion in retroactive payments by early March 2025 as a result of this legislation. The average retroactive check was around $6,710, though monthly benefits also increased for many. You can read more about the act’s rollout and impact via SSA’s official blog.
3. Retroactive Adjustments and Lump-Sum Payments
Some beneficiaries are seeing additional payments this month due to retroactive adjustments dating back to January 2024. This includes those who were underpaid before the legislative changes and those impacted by previous COLA miscalculations.
Financial experts advise checking your My Social Security account on ssa.gov to verify your payment details and any retroactive sums.
What About Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI payments are separate from Social Security retirement or disability benefits and are typically issued on the first of each month. For April 2025, SSI payments went out on Tuesday, April 1. These payments are meant to support low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. You can learn more about eligibility and benefits on the SSI overview page.
Important Note: Transition to Digital-Only Payments
Under a new executive order, the federal government is phasing out paper checks. Beginning September 30, 2025, all Social Security benefits — including retirement, SSDI, and SSI — will be sent via direct deposit or Direct Express® debit card. This change aims to reduce fraud and increase efficiency. Beneficiaries still receiving paper checks are encouraged to switch to digital payments via their My Social Security account.
Final Thoughts
If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st of any month and you started receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997, expect your payment — averaging $2,000 — to arrive on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The amount may vary depending on your personal earnings history, eligibility for retroactive payments, and recent legislative changes like the Social Security Fairness Act.
Stay informed by checking updates directly through the SSA’s official website or by contacting your local SSA office if you haven’t received your payment within three business days after the due date.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
