The Social Security Administration (SSA) has scheduled three deposits for retirement, survivor, and disability beneficiaries who began receiving benefits after May 1997. The dates are April 8, 15, and 22, all Wednesdays, and the criterion that determines which one applies to each beneficiary is the day of the month they were born, not the year.
Those born between the 1st and 10th of any month will receive their payment on Wednesday, April 8th. Those born between the 11th and 20th will receive it on Wednesday, April 15th. And those born between the 21st and 31st will receive it on Wednesday, April 22nd. This schedule is permanent and is repeated every month of the year.
The Social Security calendar will proceed without changes
In April 2026 there are no federal holidays that interfere with any of the scheduled dates, so the five payments for the month —including those on April 1 and 3 for other beneficiary groups— will fall on their exact dates without any advances or adjustments.
If you’re a beneficiary since before May 1997, your payment is different: it will be scheduled for the 3rd of every month, and if you combine retirement with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), this last benefit will be sent on the first day of the month and the retirement part on the third.
Valid Social Security payments: April amounts approved by the SSA
All payments in April 2026 already incorporate the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that took effect on January 1, 2026. That increase represents, on average, an additional $56 per month for a typical retiree, bringing the average monthly benefit to $2,071.
The maximum benefit amount available in 2026 varies depending on the age at which the beneficiary began receiving payments. Those who retired at age 62—the minimum age allowed—can receive up to $2,969 per month.
Those who waited until reaching full retirement age, which, depending on the year of birth, ranges between 66 and 67, are eligible for a maximum of $4,152 per month. And those who postponed receiving payments until age 70 can receive up to $5,181 per month.
Deposits are credited directly to bank accounts or Direct Express cards, according to the payment method registered by each account holder with the SSA. In case of delay, the agency recommends contacting the bank first before contacting the federal administration.
The use of paper checks is now discontinued due to a federal order given by President Donald Trump, in order to modernize the payments, prioritizing the usage of digital ways. A few exceptions apply, so, if you want to keep getting your payment by check, you must get in touch with the SSA to determine if your case is valid.
