Having sent out March’s final benefits earlier this week, the U.S.’s Social Security Administration (SSA) is now preparing to embark on April’s payment schedule.
Here’s what you need to know about the SSA’s benefits-distribution timeline for next month:
Who gets paid first in April 2026?
On Wednesday, Apr. 1, Americans on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will be the first group of SSA benefits recipients to pick up their April payments.
A program for certain low-income individuals, SSI is separate from Social Security benefits. Both schemes are administered by the SSA, but SSI differs from Social Security as it is a purely needs-based benefit. Claimants’ eligibility is not work record-dependent.
When is Social Security paid in April 2026?
Most recipients of Social Security – be it retirement, disability or survivor benefits – will be paid on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in April.
A beneficiary’s allotted Wednesday depends on the date of birth of the worker who has earned the entitlement:
- Born on 1st-10th of any month: Weds., Apr. 8
- Born on 11th-20th of any month: Weds., Apr. 15
- Born on 21st-31st of any month: Weds., Apr. 22
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Who else is due for a Social Security payment in April?
- Certain long-term beneficiaries: Apr. 3
On Friday, Apr. 3, SSA is to issue benefits to any Social Security recipients who began claiming before May 1997.
- Dual beneficiaries: Apr. 3
Apr. 3 is also the Social Security payment date for recipients who combine the benefit with SSI.
How much is Social Security and SSI?
- Retired workers: $2,076.41/month
- Disabled workers: $1,633.76/month
- Survivors: $1,623.28/month
- SSI recipients: $735.91/month
(Average monthly payments, per SSA statistics.)
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How does the Social Security Administration pay benefits?
- Money can transferred into a beneficiary’s bank account by direct deposit
- Benefits can also be paid onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for federal disbursements
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