While millions of Americans are expecting their next Social Security payment on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, not all retirees will receive their check on that date. A large portion of beneficiaries will be left out of this round of payments and must wait another week to access their funds.
This delay isn’t due to a government error, but rather the result of how the Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes payments. The SSA follows a staggered payment schedule that divides beneficiaries into different groups based on their birth date and the month they began receiving benefits. For those who don’t fall into a specific category—known as Group 3—there will be no payment on April 16.
Who Is Left Out of the April 16 Payment?
Two key factors determine eligibility for the April 16 payment. First, beneficiaries must have started receiving Social Security after May 1997. Second, their birthdays must fall between the 11th and 20th of any given month. Only those who meet both criteria will receive their payment on April 16.
If you began collecting benefits before May 1997, your payment schedule follows a different cycle—typically earlier in the month. And if your birthday falls outside the 11th–20th window, even if you retired after May 1997, you won’t see a deposit on April 16. Instead, you’ll need to wait until April 23, the date designated for Group 4 recipients.
What Retirees Should Know About the Delay
This isn’t a permanent loss of benefits—it’s simply a matter of timing. Once you are assigned to a specific payment group, that designation remains the same each month. Still, for many retirees facing rising costs and tight budgets, a week-long delay can be frustrating, especially when others are getting paid sooner.
As for payment amounts, the maximum monthly Social Security benefit in 2025 is $5,108, but this figure is typically reserved for high earners who delayed retirement until age 70. Most retirees receive between $1,500 and $3,500, depending on their lifetime earnings and filing age.
So while April 16 may be payday for some, many retirees will see that date come and go without any deposit. Understanding your group assignment and payment schedule is key to financial planning and avoiding unnecessary surprises.
