The Social Security Administration (SSA) will begin distributing benefits to nearly 70 million Americans this month, including retirees, survivors, and people with disabilities. The disbursements, which begin this week, integrate adjustments derived from the Social Security Fairness Law, approved in December 2024. Payment dates vary depending on the type of benefit and the profile of the beneficiary.
On April 1, 2025, the SSA allocated the first funds through Supplemental Security Income (SSI), aimed at older adults, people with visual or functional disabilities and limited economic resources. The support, which seeks to guarantee financial stability in vulnerable groups, offers maximum amounts of $967 for individuals, and $1,450 for couples who live together and apply for benefits together.
The Social Security benefits calendar continues throughout the month of April
Payments for retirees who began receiving benefits before May 1997 were issued on April 3. This group also includes those who receive SSI. The SSA advises waiting three business days after the established date before reporting delays, not counting weekends or federal holidays such as Memorial Day.
For retirees outside the previous group, the dates are defined by day of birth: April 9 corresponds to those born between the 1st and 10th of any month; the 16th, to those born from the 11th to the 20th; and the 23rd, those from 21 to 31. The maximum amounts range between $2,831 (retirement at age 62) and $5,108 (those who wait until age 70 to retire).
permanent increases for retirees with a new law
The Social Security Fairness Act, promoted by the Biden administration, eliminated two rules (called WEP and GPO) that reduced benefits to retirees with pensions from employers excluded from the system, such as firefighters, police officers and teachers. The measure impacts 3.2 million people, including widows and spouses. In March 2025, many received one-time retroactive payments for accrued benefits.
Starting in April, the monthly increases will be permanent: $360 on average for retirees, $700 for beneficiary spouses and $1,190 for affected widowers. In complex cases that require manual review, the process could take up to a year. The SSA recommends contacting them if the April payment is the same as the March payment and is believed to be included in the law.
mandatory transition to electronic methods of receiving benefits
On March 25, 2025, an executive order signed by Donald Trump eliminated paper checks for federal payments, including Social Security benefits. As of September 30 of that year, disbursements will be made only via direct deposit, prepaid cards or digital methods. The measure seeks to reduce costs, delays and fraud.
According to the White House, in 2024 the check system cost $657 million. Currently, 456,000 beneficiaries (0.7% of the total) still receive physical payments. Exceptions apply to those who do not have banking access, face emergencies or suffer serious problems due to the transition. Applicants must present documentation that supports their situation.
Although the measure promises efficiency, groups such as older adults or residents in rural areas could face obstacles. The exception process is not automatic: it requires paperwork and justification. The SSA will initiate proactive communication with affected parties to facilitate the transition. Those opting for digital methods must choose between direct deposit or government prepaid cards.