Social Security payments in April 2026 follow the standard SSA payment calendar, with five separate deposit dates covering SSI, SSDI, and retirement beneficiaries.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will distribute payments on Wednesday, April 1, Friday, April 3, Wednesday, April 8, Wednesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
All April 2026 payments already include the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that took effect on January 1, 2026.
This article covers the complete April 2026 Social Security payment schedule by recipient group, exact deposit amounts after the 2026 COLA, direct deposit timing, the facts behind extra payment rumors, what to do if your payment does not arrive, and how the Social Security Fairness Act may affect your April check.
Table of Contents
April 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule at a Glance
The SSA distributes Social Security payments in April 2026 across five dates, determined by recipient type and date of birth. This schedule applies to retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor benefits.
| Recipient Group | April 2026 Payment Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| SSI Recipients | Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Pre-May 1997 Beneficiaries / SSI + SSA Dual Recipients | Friday, April 3, 2026 | Friday |
| Birthdays: 1st – 10th of any month | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | Wednesday (2nd Wednesday) |
| Birthdays: 11th – 20th of any month | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | Wednesday (3rd Wednesday) |
| Birthdays: 21st – 31st of any month | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | Wednesday (4th Wednesday) |
How the SSA Birthdate Payment System Works
The SSA implemented the birthdate-based payment schedule in May 1997. Under this system, the day of the month a beneficiary was born — not the year — determines the payment date. For example, a retiree born on March 7 receives payment on the second Wednesday of each month (Wednesday, April 8, 2026).
A disabled worker born on November 25 receives payment on the fourth Wednesday (Wednesday, April 22, 2026).
This schedule applies uniformly to retirement benefits, SSDI, and survivor benefits for anyone who became entitled to Social Security after April 30, 1997.
April 2026 contains no federal holidays on or before any payment date. Good Friday (April 3, 2026) and Easter Sunday (April 5, 2026) are not federal holidays. The SSA payment schedule is unaffected.
SSI Payment Date April 2026
When Will SSI Be Deposited in April 2026?
SSI payments in April 2026 will be deposited on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Because April 1 falls on a Wednesday — a standard business day — the SSA will issue Supplemental Security Income on the first of the month as scheduled.
April 2026 is a standard SSI payment month. There is no early payment, no late payment, and no skipped month.
Why Some Recipients Did Not See an SSI Payment in March 2026
Recipients did not receive SSI in March 2026 because the March payment was issued on Friday, February 27, 2026. The SSA issues SSI payments early when the first of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday. Because March 1, 2026, fell on a Sunday, the SSA moved the payment to the preceding business day. This is not an extra payment — it is the March payment issued early.
Recipients who received a deposit on Friday, February 27, 2026, received their March 2026 SSI payment. They then received their April 2026 SSI payment on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The two-deposit pattern in late February and early April is the result of calendar scheduling, not a bonus or double payment from the SSA.
How Much Is the SSI Payment in April 2026?
The maximum SSI payment in April 2026 is $994 per month for an eligible individual and $1,491 per month for an eligible couple. These amounts reflect the 2.8% COLA that took effect on January 1, 2026.
| SSI Recipient Category | 2025 Monthly Amount | 2026 Monthly Amount | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $967 | $994 | +$27 |
| Couple | $1,450 | $1,491 | +$41 |
| Essential Person | $484 | $498 | +$14 |
Individual SSI payments vary based on countable income, living arrangements, and state supplement programs. The figures above represent the federal SSI maximum. Many states add a supplemental payment on top of the federal amount.
SSDI Payment Dates April 2026
When Will SSDI Be Deposited in April 2026?
SSDI payments in April 2026 will be deposited on Friday, April 3, Wednesday, April 8, Wednesday, April 15, or Wednesday, April 22, 2026, depending on the beneficiary’s date of birth and when they first became entitled to benefits.
The SSA assigns SSDI payment dates using the same birthdate schedule as retirement benefits:
- Friday, April 3, 2026 — Recipients who became entitled to SSDI before May 1997, or who receive both SSI and SSDI simultaneously.
- Wednesday, April 8, 2026 — SSDI recipients born on the 1st through the 10th of any month.
- Wednesday, April 15, 2026 — SSDI recipients born on the 11th through the 20th of any month.
- Wednesday, April 22, 2026 — SSDI recipients born on the 21st through the 31st of any month.
SSDI Payment Amounts in April 2026
The average SSDI payment in April 2026 is $1,630 per month, after the 2.8% COLA increase applied in January 2026.
| SSDI Benefit Category | 2025 Monthly Amount | 2026 Monthly Amount | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Disabled Worker | $1,586 | $1,630 | +$44 |
| Maximum SSDI (at FRA) | $4,018 | $4,152 | +$134 |
SSDI payments already reflect the 2026 COLA. No additional increase is scheduled for April. The 2.8% adjustment was applied beginning with the January 2026 payment cycle.
How the Social Security Fairness Act Affects April 2026 SSDI Payments
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law in January 2025, eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions previously reduced Social Security benefits for certain public employees, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters who received a government pension from employment not covered by Social Security.
The SSA began processing retroactive payments and revised benefit amounts for affected recipients in early 2025. By April 2026, most affected recipients should already be receiving their corrected monthly benefit amount. Recipients who have not yet received their retroactive lump-sum payment or adjusted monthly benefit should contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or log in to their My Social Security account at ssa.gov.
Social Security Retirement Benefit Payment Dates April 2026
When Will Retirees Get Paid in April 2026?
Retired workers receive their April 2026 Social Security payments on Wednesday, April 8, Wednesday, April 15, or Wednesday, April 22, 2026, depending on their date of birth. Retirees who began receiving benefits before May 1997 are paid on Friday, April 3, 2026.
The birth date used to determine the payment schedule is the beneficiary’s own birth date — not a spouse’s. A retired worker born on June 3 receives payment on Wednesday, April 8. A retired worker born on December 18 receives payment on Wednesday, April 15.
What Is the Average Social Security Retirement Check in April 2026?
The average Social Security retirement benefit in April 2026 is $2,071 per month for a retired worker. This reflects the 2.8% COLA applied beginning January 2026.
| Retirement Benefit Category | 2025 Monthly Amount | 2026 Monthly Amount | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Retired Worker | $2,015 | $2,071 | +$56 |
| Maximum at Full Retirement Age (FRA) | $4,018 | $4,152 | +$134 |
| Maximum at Age 70 | $4,918 | $5,181 | +$263 |
The maximum Social Security retirement benefit applies only to workers who delayed claiming until age 70 and had 35 years of maximum taxable earnings. Most retirees receive an amount closer to the average.
Net April 2026 Check After Medicare Part B Deduction
Most Social Security retirement beneficiaries have their Medicare Part B premium deducted directly from their monthly benefit. The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month, up from $185.00 in 2025 — an increase of $17.90.
The net in-pocket increase for the average retiree in April 2026 is approximately $38.10 per month, after accounting for both the $56 COLA increase and the $17.90 Medicare Part B premium increase.
| Item | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| 2026 COLA Increase (2.8%) | +$56.00 |
| Medicare Part B Premium Increase | −$17.90 |
| Net Monthly Increase for Average Retiree | +$38.10 |
Recipients subject to Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharges pay higher Medicare Part B premiums and see a smaller net gain.
Social Security Payment Dates April 2026 by Birth Date — Detailed Breakdown
April 2026 Social Security Payments for Birthdays 1st Through 10th
Recipients born on the 1st through the 10th of any month receive their April 2026 Social Security payment on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. This is the second Wednesday of April 2026. This date applies to retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefits for post-April 1997 beneficiaries.
Examples of qualifying birth dates for the Wednesday, April 8 payment: January 3, May 7, August 10, and November 1.
Birthdays 11th Through 20th: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Recipients born on the 11th through the 20th of any month receive their April 2026 Social Security payment on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This is the third Wednesday of April 2026.
Examples: February 14, June 20, September 11, December 19.
Birthdays 21st Through 31st: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Recipients born on the 21st through the 31st of any month receive their April 2026 Social Security payment on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. This is the fourth Wednesday of April 2026.
Examples: March 25, July 31, October 22, January 28.
What Time Does Social Security Direct Deposit Hit Your Bank Account in April 2026?
Social Security direct deposits typically post to bank accounts in the early morning hours of the scheduled payment date, usually between midnight and 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Some financial institutions process the ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer and make funds available as early as midnight the night before the official payment date.
Processing times vary by bank. Credit unions and online banks often post funds earlier than traditional banks.
If your bank account does not show the deposit by the afternoon of your scheduled payment date, take the following steps:
- Confirm your payment date. Use the table above to verify which of the five April dates applies to your recipient group and birth date.
- Check for pending transactions. Ask your bank specifically about pending ACH deposits. The funds may be in process but not yet posted.
- Log in to My Social Security. Visit ssa.gov and navigate to “Benefit & Payment Details” to confirm the payment was issued by the SSA.
- Wait three mailing days. The SSA requests that recipients wait three business days after the scheduled payment date before reporting a missing payment.
- Contact the SSA. If the payment has not arrived three business days after your scheduled date, call 1-800-772-1213. The SSA helpline operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. Wait times are typically shorter on Wednesday through Friday, before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.
Paper checks take longer to arrive than direct deposits. The SSA mails paper checks on the scheduled payment date, and delivery typically takes three to seven business days, depending on the recipient’s location. The SSA began transitioning all beneficiaries to electronic payments in 2024. As of 2026, new Social Security recipients are required to receive payments by direct deposit or Direct Express debit card.
Is There an Extra Social Security Payment in April 2026?
The Truth About “Bonus” Social Security Checks in April 2026
There is no extra, bonus, or double Social Security payment scheduled for April 2026. The SSA has not announced any supplemental payments for April 2026. Widespread online claims about bonus Social Security checks are not confirmed by the Social Security Administration.
The confusion around “extra” payments originates from a real but misunderstood aspect of SSI scheduling. When the first of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA issues SSI payments early — on the last preceding business day. Recipients who receive SSI see a deposit in the final days of the previous month and then again at the start of the following standard month.
April 2026 does not trigger this scenario. April 1, 2026, falls on a Wednesday. The SSI payment issues normally occur on April 1. There is no early April payment, and no carry-over from March creates a double deposit situation in April.
The months in 2026 that produce early SSI payments — and may appear as “extra” payments to uninformed observers — are February, March, August, and November 2026. April is not among them.
Why Did I Get Two Social Security Payments in April 2026?
If you received two Social Security deposits in April 2026, one of three explanations applies.
First, you may receive both SSI and SSDI simultaneously. SSI is paid on Wednesday, April 1. SSDI for post-1997 recipients is paid on April 8, 15, or 22, depending on birth date. Dual beneficiaries legitimately receive two separate deposits in the same month.
Second, the SSA may have issued a retroactive or back-pay lump sum. This occurs when a benefits claim is approved after a waiting period, resulting in months of accumulated back payments issued as a single deposit alongside the regular monthly payment.
Third, the payment may relate to Social Security Fairness Act adjustments. Recipients affected by the elimination of WEP/GPO provisions may have received a corrected benefit amount or retroactive lump-sum payment from the SSA at any point in 2025 or 2026.
Contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if you are uncertain about the source of a deposit.
2026 COLA Increase — How It Affects Your April 2026 Social Security Payment
The 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2026 took effect on January 1, 2026. All Social Security payments issued from January 2026 forward — including April 2026 — already reflect this increase. No additional COLA adjustment is scheduled for April.
The 2026 COLA of 2.8% is higher than the 2.5% COLA applied in 2025. The Social Security Administration calculates COLA each year using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Benefit Type | 2025 Amount | 2026 Amount | COLA Dollar Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Retired Worker | $2,015/month | $2,071/month | +$56/month |
| Maximum Benefit (at FRA) | $4,018/month | $4,152/month | +$134/month |
| Maximum Benefit (at Age 70) | $4,918/month | $5,181/month | +$263/month |
| Average SSDI Recipient | $1,586/month | $1,630/month | +$44/month |
| SSI (Individual) | $967/month | $994/month | +$27/month |
| SSI (Couple) | $1,450/month | $1,491/month | +$41/month |
2026 Earnings Test and Taxable Maximum
Two additional SSA rule changes took effect in January 2026 that may affect April 2026 payments for working beneficiaries:
- Earnings Test Limit: Beneficiaries under Full Retirement Age who continue working can earn up to $24,480 per year ($2,040 per month) in 2026 before the SSA withholds benefits. For every $2 earned above this threshold, the SSA withholds $1 in benefits.
- Maximum Taxable Earnings: The Social Security payroll tax applies to wages up to $184,500 in 2026. Earnings above this amount are not subject to Social Security tax.
Social Security Payment Schedule 2026 — Full Year Calendar
The SSA publishes all monthly payment dates for the full calendar year. The table below lists every Social Security and SSI payment date for 2026.
| Month | SSI Payment Date | Pre-1997 / Dual Beneficiary | Birthday 1–10 | Birthday 11–20 | Birthday 21–31 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Wednesday, January 1 | Friday, January 3 | Wednesday, January 14 | Wednesday, January 21 | Wednesday, January 28 |
| February | Friday, January 30* | Friday, February 6 | Wednesday, February 11 | Wednesday, February 18 | Wednesday, February 25 |
| March | Friday, February 27* | Friday, March 6 | Wednesday, March 11 | Wednesday, March 18 | Wednesday, March 25 |
| April | Wednesday, April 1 | Friday, April 3 | Wednesday, April 8 | Wednesday, April 15 | Wednesday, April 22 |
| May | Friday, May 1 | Wednesday, May 6 | Wednesday, May 13 | Wednesday, May 20 | Wednesday, May 27 |
| June | Monday, June 1 | Wednesday, June 3 | Wednesday, June 10 | Wednesday, June 17 | Wednesday, June 24 |
| July | Wednesday, July 1 | Friday, July 3 | Wednesday, July 8 | Wednesday, July 15 | Wednesday, July 22 |
| August | Friday, July 31* | Wednesday, August 5 | Wednesday, August 12 | Wednesday, August 19 | Wednesday, August 26 |
| September | Monday, September 1 | Wednesday, September 3 | Wednesday, September 9 | Wednesday, September 16 | Wednesday, September 23 |
| October | Wednesday, October 1 | Friday, October 2 | Wednesday, October 14 | Wednesday, October 21 | Wednesday, October 28 |
| November | Friday, October 30* | Wednesday, November 4 | Wednesday, November 12 | Wednesday, November 18 | Wednesday, November 25 |
| December | Tuesday, December 1 | Wednesday, December 2 | Wednesday, December 9 | Wednesday, December 16 | Wednesday, December 23 |
The asterisked months — February, March, August, and November — are the months where SSI recipients receive payment before the 1st of that month. These are not extra payments. They are the standard monthly payments issued early due to calendar scheduling.
How to Check Your April 2026 Social Security Payment Status
The fastest way to verify your April 2026 Social Security payment is to log in to your My Social Security account at ssa.gov. Under “Benefit & Payment Details,” the SSA displays your scheduled payment amount and the date the payment was issued.
Steps to check your April 2026 payment status:
- Go to ssa.gov and select “Sign In” at the top right.
- Log in to My Social Security using your username and password, or create a free account if you do not have one.
- Select “Benefit & Payment Details” from your account dashboard.
- Review the payment information for your April 2026 deposit date and amount.
- Check for notices. The SSA posts official notices, including suspension letters and overpayment notices, in the same portal.
If your payment was not issued or appears to be in error, contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
As of 2026, the SSA requires all new beneficiaries to receive payments electronically. Recipients using paper checks prior to this mandate are encouraged to switch to direct deposit through their bank or the Direct Express debit card program to ensure timely delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions — Social Security Payments April 2026
Will Social Security be paid in April 2026?
Yes. Social Security payments will be distributed on Wednesday, April 1 (SSI), Friday, April 3 (pre-1997 and dual recipients), Wednesday, April 8, Wednesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
When will SSI payments arrive in April 2026?
SSI payments will be deposited on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. April 1 is a standard business day. No early payment applies.
When will SSDI payments arrive in April 2026?
SSDI payments are scheduled for Friday, April 3 (pre-1997 recipients), Wednesday, April 8 (birthdays 1–10), Wednesday, April 15 (birthdays 11–20), and Wednesday, April 22 (birthdays 21–31).
Will there be extra Social Security checks in April 2026?
No. The SSA has not scheduled any bonus or supplemental payments for April 2026. Reports of extra checks circulating online are not confirmed by the Social Security Administration.
Why did my Social Security amount change in April 2026?
The most common cause is the 2.8% COLA applied on January 1, 2026, which increased all benefit amounts. Other causes include Medicare Part B premium deductions, a change in benefit eligibility, an earnings test adjustment, or an overpayment recovery.
What is the maximum Social Security payment in 2026?
The maximum Social Security retirement benefit in 2026 is $4,152 per month for a worker retiring at Full Retirement Age, and $5,181 per month for a worker who delayed benefits until age 70.
What is the maximum SSI payment in 2026?
The maximum federal SSI payment in 2026 is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 per month for a couple. State supplements may add to this amount depending on the recipient’s state of residence.
What time does Social Security direct deposit hit my bank account?
Direct deposits typically post in the early morning hours of the scheduled payment date, often between midnight and 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Some banks make funds available earlier.
What should I do if my Social Security payment is late in April 2026?
Wait three business days after your scheduled payment date before reporting a missing payment. If the payment has not arrived after three business days, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.
Does Easter affect Social Security payments in April 2026?
No. Good Friday (April 3, 2026) and Easter Sunday (April 5, 2026) are not federal holidays. The SSA payment schedule is not affected.
Will my April 2026 payment include WEP/GPO backpay?
It depends on the status of your individual claim. The SSA began processing Social Security Fairness Act adjustments in early 2025. If you have not yet received your corrected amount or retroactive lump sum, contact the SSA directly to check the status of your case.
Key Takeaways: Social Security Payments April 2026
The Social Security Administration will distribute payments across five dates in April 2026. SSI recipients are paid on Wednesday, April 1. Beneficiaries who became entitled before May 1997 or who receive both SSI and SSDI are paid on Friday, April 3. All other retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefit recipients are paid on Wednesday, April 8, Wednesday, April 15, or Wednesday, April 22, based on their date of birth.
All April 2026 payments include the 2.8% COLA that took effect January 1, 2026. No additional increases are scheduled for April. The net monthly gain for the average retiree — after the Medicare Part B premium increase of $17.90 — is approximately $38.10 per month.
There are no bonus, extra, or double Social Security payments scheduled for April 2026. Any claims to the contrary are not confirmed by the SSA.
For the most current and personalized information, log in to your My Social Security account at ssa.gov or contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
