Millions of retired Americans rely on Social Security benefits as a key source of monthly income. For many, this financial support helps cover basic living expenses like food, rent, and medicine. With rising prices across the country, these payments are more important than ever.
This week, another round of payments is being issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA follows a set schedule that distributes benefits throughout the month, depending on the recipient’s birth date. This helps prevent delays and spreads out the workload.
More than 53 million retirees receive these monthly checks. As of 2025, a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) has been added to help seniors manage inflation. Understanding the schedule and how much to expect is important for planning monthly expenses and avoiding confusion if payments are delayed.
Why Social Security Payments Matter So Much
For over 90% of retirees in the U.S., Social Security provides dependable monthly income. In fact, for about 40% of these individuals, it’s their main source of funds. As everyday prices rise, these checks help seniors stay financially stable.
The 2025 COLA increase of 2.5% was designed to support seniors dealing with higher costs for groceries, housing, and healthcare. Even with this raise, many experts say that prices are still growing faster than benefit amounts.
This is why it’s vital to know how much you’re getting, when it will arrive, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Who Will Receive This Week’s Payments?
The SSA sends out Social Security checks on a staggered schedule based on when someone was born.
If you started receiving benefits before May 1997, you always receive your payment at the start of each month.
Those born between the 11th and 20th of any month can expect their benefit to be deposited or mailed out on April, 2025.
What to Do If Your Payment Hasn’t Arrived
If your payment is delayed, don’t panic right away. The SSA recommends waiting three full business days after the scheduled date before reporting an issue. Delays can happen due to weekends, bank holidays, or slow processing.
First, double-check your payment date based on your birth date. If your check still hasn’t shown up after the waiting period, you can contact the SSA:
- Visit SSA.gov
- Call 1-800-772-1213
- Or go to your nearest SSA office
How Much Can Retirees Expect to Receive?
The amount you get from Social Security depends on a few things:
- Your earnings history
- The age you start claiming benefits
- Annual COLA increases
Most people receive less than the maximum. As of late 2024, the average Social Security payment was $1,876.95 per month.
Expert Opinions on COLA and Social Security
Experts say the 2.5% COLA helps, but may not be enough. Mary Johnson, a policy analyst, warned that even with this raise, prices for rent, food, and car insurance are rising quickly.
Former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley noted that the 2025 benefit increase is helping millions, but ongoing inflation remains a challenge. Many retirees feel they need even more support to keep up.
What’s Next?
If you were born between the 21st and 31st, your payment will be sent out on April 26, 2025.
Keep an eye on your mailbox or bank account and follow the SSA updates for any changes. Other important updates to watch for include:
- Changes to Medicare premiums
- Government discussions about Social Security’s future
- News about next year’s COLA increase
Being informed about your benefits is the best way to manage your retirement budget wisely.