Social Security Payments Increase for Millions in April 2024

Well, well, well… according to the Social Security Fairness Act, certain individuals will be graced with the magnificent honor of receiving slightly larger Social Security checks. How utterly thrilling for those navigating the complex world of Social Security benefits.

Those fortunate souls affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) provisions—because apparently the Social Security Administration loves acronyms almost as much as it loves complicated paperwork—will see their monthly benefits increase. And retroactive to January 2024! How generous of them to give you back retroactive Social Security payments that should have been yours all along.

The government, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to distribute these retroactive Social Security payments starting in February. Your updated monthly benefit amounts should arrive this month. Should being the operative word here.

When Will Your New Social Security Payment Grace Your Account?

Your enhanced Social Security benefits—and by “enhanced” we mean “what you were entitled to anyway”—should begin with your April payment. But don’t hold your breath.

“We are expediting these cases now,” claim Social Security Administration officials, using “expediting” in the loosest possible sense of the word. They expect all beneficiary records to be updated by “early November 2025.” Yes, that’s right—a mere 19 months to update some numbers in a computer system. Impressive efficiency, as always.

They’ve kindly requested Americans wait until April before inquiring about retroactive payments. How thoughtful of them to ask you not to bother them about your money. As of March 28, they’ve processed about 75% of Social Security benefit adjustments. Give them a round of applause, folks.

April Social Security Payment Schedule: Mark Your Calendars!

If you’re eagerly awaiting your slightly-less-inadequate Social Security payment this month, here’s when you might—emphasis on might—receive it, according to the official Social Security payment schedule:

• Wednesday, April 9: Birth dates between the 1st and 10th
• Wednesday, April 16: Birth dates between the 11th and 20th
• Wednesday, April 23: Birth dates between the 21st and 31st

SSI beneficiaries get just one payment in April but two in May. How exciting! It’s like waiting for Christmas, if Christmas came on a government schedule and barely covered your expenses.

If your Social Security payment doesn’t arrive when expected, first contact your bank. If they can’t help, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Prepare for hold music that will make you question your life choices.

Who Gets This Magnificent Social Security Windfall?

The lucky winners of increased Social Security benefits include:

• Certain teachers
• Police officers
• Firefighters
• Federal workers

You know, just those people who educate our children, protect our communities, and keep our country running. Nothing important.

However—surprise, surprise—not every former public servant will get more money. About 72% of state and local public employees already work in Social Security-covered employment and “are not affected by WEP or GPO.” Translation: most of you still get nothing. Shocking.

How Much Will Your Social Security Payments Increase?

Some might see their monthly Social Security benefits increase by “very little,” while others could receive up to $1,000 more. It’s like a government lottery where most people win enough for an extra cup of coffee each month.

The maximum Social Security benefit is $5,108, according to the Administration. This would apply to someone who retired at age 70 in 2025 and presumably never spent a penny in their life.

Congratulations to all who qualify for this Social Security increase. Your reward for navigating decades of bureaucracy is… more bureaucracy, with a side of slightly larger checks. What a time to be alive.