From April 16, 2025, many retirees across the U.S. in Group 3 will be receiving their monthly Social Security payment. For millions, this check is more than just a deposit—it’s the backbone of their retirement income. But who exactly qualifies for this mid-month payday? And more importantly, how much can you expect to get?
Let’s break it all down so you can know what’s coming and how much to look forward to.
Schedule
Social Security payments aren’t just handed out all at once. Instead, the Social Security Administration (SSA) organizes beneficiaries into different groups. These groups determine when the money hits your account. Here’s a quick look at how it works:
- Group 1: Receives payments on the 3rd of each month.
- Group 2: Receives payments on the second Wednesday.
- Group 3: Receives payments on the third Wednesday (April 16, 2025).
- Group 4: Receives payments on the fourth Wednesday (April 23, 2025).
Once you’re assigned a group, it doesn’t change—your payment date is locked in for good.
Eligibility
So, how do you know if you’re in Group 3 and due for that April 16 payment?
There are two specific criteria to check:
- You retired after May 1997.
- Your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of any month.
Meet both? You’re in Group 3. If not, no worries—your payment will simply come a week later, on April 23, if you’re in Group 4.
Amounts
This is the part everyone’s curious about—how much will you actually get?
Well, that depends on a few factors like your lifetime earnings, the age you retired, and how long you paid into Social Security. The payment amount can vary a lot between individuals.
Here’s a quick look:
| Type of Beneficiary | Average Monthly Benefit | Maximum in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Retired Worker | Around $1,900 | $5,108 |
| Couple (Both Retired) | Around $3,200 | Over $10,000 (combined) |
| Disability Benefit | Around $1,500 | Varies |
Yes, $5,108 per month is the max in 2025—but only a small group of retirees will receive that much. You’d need to have worked at the highest income levels for 35 years and waited until age 70 to retire to hit that ceiling.
Variations
Why do payment amounts differ so much?
Think of it like a custom paycheck. The SSA looks at your earnings over your lifetime, adjusts them for inflation, and then calculates your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). From there, they use a formula to figure out your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is basically your baseline benefit.
Also, when you retire matters. Claiming at 62? You’ll get less. Wait until 70? You could get up to 32% more per month.
Strategy
If you’re still planning your retirement or helping a loved one, here’s a quick tip: delay benefits if you can. The longer you wait (up to age 70), the bigger the check. It’s like giving your future self a raise.
But if you need the money earlier, that’s okay too. Just know what you’re signing up for in terms of monthly amount.
Whether you’re a current beneficiary or preparing for retirement, knowing your Social Security group, payment date, and estimated amount is key to staying financially confident. Mark April 16 if you’re in Group 3—it’s payday!
FAQs
Who gets paid on April 16, 2025?
Retirees in Group 3 with birthdays from 11th–20th.
How do I know my payment group?
Check your retirement year and birth date.
What’s the max Social Security in 2025?
The maximum is $5,108 per month.
Can my payment date change later?
No, once set, it stays the same.
What if I don’t qualify for Group 3?
You’ll get paid on April 23 if you’re in Group 4.
