Social Security Payments Delays: What to Know and When to Expect Benefits in April

The Social Security Administration (SSA) reported new reorganization measures linked to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity created to optimize federal resources. The changes, effective from February 2025, include staff reduction, department closures and modifications to telephone services. The agency serves 70 million beneficiaries, but assures that the adjustments will not affect direct care employees.

According to official statements, the SSA workforce decreased by 12%, from 57,000 to 50,000 employees. The measure seeks to eliminate “redundant layers of management” and reassign personnel to essential roles. “No public-facing representatives have been fired,” the agency emphasized, adding that all workers returned to the offices five days a week.

Changes to Social Security benefits: DOGE cuts and other issues

Non-governmental groups have pointed out that the restructuring has generated delays in procedures and telephone responses. Although the SSA insists that the adjustments will improve efficiency, critics argue that the reduction of non-critical personnel could impact internal processes. The DOGE, promoted during the Trump administration, maintains its objective of cutting expenses and simplifying federal services.

The SSA explained that the layoffs were concentrated in administrative and management areas, not in citizen service positions. “We redeployed talent to priority roles,” a spokesperson said. In addition, they confirmed the elimination of 17 internal departments considered redundant. These changes align with DOGE’s directive to optimize the use of human and financial resources.

How much is the maximum benefit you can receive in 2025?

April 2025 is already heading towards the third week of the month, and new payments are coming from Social Security retirees. These are the payments pending on the remaining days of the month for the three main groups of beneficiaries:

• Second Wednesday: April 9, 2025. Ideal for scheduling supplier payments or the second monthly service installment.
• Third Wednesday: April 16, 2025. Optimal date to adjust budgets or close agreements before the end of the fortnight.
• Fourth Wednesday: April 23, 2025. Last useful week to fulfill obligations before the monthly closing.

The maximum amounts that beneficiaries will receive depend mainly (and among other requirements) on the age at which they retire:

• Retirement at age 62
  
  • Maximum monthly amount: $2,831
    
  • Use: Early claim that reduces the benefit. 
• Retirement at age 67 (Full Retirement Age in 2025)
  
  • Maximum monthly amount: $4,018
    
  • Use: Full benefit is achieved without reduction. 
• Retirement at 70 years old
  
  • Maximum monthly amount: $5,108
    
  • Use: Maximum amount for delaying the claim. 
• Disability Benefit
  
  • Maximum monthly amount: Up to $5,108
    
  • Use: Similar to retirement benefit; It depends on income. 
• Survival Benefit
  
  • Maximum monthly amount: Up to $5,108
    
  • Use: It can be 100% of the deceased’s benefit if they waited until age 70. 
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income) – Individual
  
  • Maximum monthly amount: $967
    
  • Use: For elderly, disabled or low-income people. 
• SSI – Couple
  
  • Maximum combined monthly amount: $1,450
    
  • Use: For eligible couples who qualify jointly. 

If your benefits did not arrive on the expected date, the SSA recommends waiting at least three business days to determine if it is not an error or a minor bank delay. If the situation persists after that date, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (local time, no matter what part of the country you are in). There is a TTY option (for the hearing impaired): 1-800-325-0778.