Big changes are happening at the Social Security Administration (SSA), and they could impact when and how retirees receive their benefits. While the payment schedule for April remains unchanged, new Social Security rules could disrupt payments, especially for those who need to verify their identity.
If you rely on Social Security benefits, it’s important to know what’s new, what’s delayed, and how these April changes might affect you.
April Payment Schedule
The SSA confirmed that the Social Security payment schedule for April 2025 has not changed.
Here’s how the schedule breaks down:
- April 1: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) was paid.
- April 3: Those who receive both Social Security and SSI, or began receiving benefits before May 1997, were paid.
- April 9: Retirees with birthdays between the 1st and 10th received their checks.
- April 16: Those with birthdays from the 11th to the 20th are set to receive payment.
- April 23: Retirees born from the 21st to 31st will get their checks.
So if your birthday falls within one of those ranges and your payment is late, there may be another reason, possibly linked to the new identity verification rules.
Identity Verification Rules Now in Effect
The biggest change this April is a set of new identity verification requirements meant to fight fraud and protect benefits. The SSA originally planned to roll these rules out on March 31, but delayed the change until April 14 after receiving feedback from the public, Congress, and advocacy groups.
Who must verify their identity in person?
According to the SSA, anyone applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits who cannot use their online “my Social Security” account will now be required to visit a local SSA office to prove their identity.
If you’re just changing your direct deposit information or mailing address, and don’t already have an online account, you may also need to verify your identity in person.
Exceptions to the Rule
After public pushback, the SSA added exceptions for certain types of applications. You do NOT need to visit an SSA office in person if you are:
- Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Applying for Medicare
- Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
For these programs, identity can be verified online or over the phone because there are multiple checks in place throughout the process.
Additionally, those in extreme situations, such as terminal illness or prison pre-release, may also be exempt from in-person verification. However, proof and managerial approval will be required in such cases.
Concerns Over Disruption
Experts warn that these new Social Security rules could disrupt payments for retirees who aren’t aware of the changes or who struggle with the digital process. Jason Fichtner, a former deputy SSA commissioner, voiced concern that downsizing within the SSA workforce, pushed by the Trump administration and overseen by advisor Elon Musk, could worsen service delays and lead to confusion.
Fichtner said the SSA is undergoing fast-moving system updates and workforce reductions that could make it harder for beneficiaries to get help.
“Now I’m concerned that benefits could get disrupted,” he said.
This means if you’re applying for new benefits or making account changes, and you can’t verify your identity online, you should plan for longer wait times or possible payment delays.
Fraud Protections Are Also Being Stepped Up
As of April, the SSA is also rolling out more aggressive anti-fraud efforts. This includes additional checks for people changing banking information, applying for benefits with suspicious records, or using multiple Social Security numbers.
The agency says these changes are meant to prevent ineligible or fraudulent claims, but retirees may experience more hurdles in getting their checks or updating personal information.
What Should Retirees Do?
To avoid delays during this critical time, SSA recommends:
- Creating a “My Social Security” account online, if you haven’t already.
- Checking your bank account for expected payments.
- Checking your mail for any letters from the SSA asking you to verify information.
- Calling or visiting your local SSA office if you’re flagged for identity issues.
Conclusion
The April changes to Social Security are real and already in effect. While the payment schedule itself hasn’t changed, the new identity verification rules could cause disruption, especially for those who aren’t prepared or haven’t set up an online account.
If you’re applying for new benefits or need to change your banking information, now is the time to act. These changes are designed to protect the system from fraud, but they also require more from the people the program is meant to serve.
Stay informed, stay proactive, and don’t let these new rules catch you off guard.