<\/p>\n
The Social Security Administration is warning retirees about an ongoing scam involving imposter emails.<\/p>\n
Jeff Greenberg\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Of the over 71 million Americans who receive regular\u00a0Social Security payments,<\/a> some can expect their April checks to arrive this week. The remainder of the month\u2019s disability payments will be distributed over the next two\u00a0weeks.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to know about April\u2019s payments, the latest Social Security scam\u00a0and how to see if your benefits are taxable<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n People are also reading: When will Social Security run out of funds? New reports say sooner than expected<\/a><\/p>\n When will I get my April 2026 disability payment?<\/p>\n The Social Security Administration\u2019s yearly distribution schedule for 2026 is available online<\/a> so you can plan your budget. Regular Social Security retirement benefits are being sent out on the SSA\u2019s schedule, with some arriving later this week.<\/p>\n Those who started receiving benefits before May 1997 \u2014 or who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income \u2014 should have received their payments on Friday, April 3. For all other beneficiaries, the first round of payments arrives this week.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n For retirees and disability beneficiaries who began receiving payments after May 1997, the April payment schedule is as follows:<\/p>\n Wednesday, April 8 \u2014 for those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th<\/p>\n Wednesday, April 15 \u2014 for birthdays between the 11th and 20th<\/p>\n Wednesday, April 22 \u2014 for birthdays between the 21st and the end of the month<\/p>\n Social Security payment schedule 2026<\/p>\n Those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) should have received their April payment on the first of the month, for the first time this year. In the previous three months, the Social Security Administration\u00a0distributed SSI checks early due to holidays and weekends. The SSA suggests that if you didn’t receive your payment on the expected date, allow three additional mailing days before contacting the agency; most arrive on time because 99% of beneficiaries are paid electronically.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the full 2026 SSI schedule:<\/p>\n Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (check for January 2026)<\/p>\n Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 (check for February 2026)<\/p>\n Friday,\u00a0Feb. 27, 2026 (check for March 2026)<\/p>\n Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (check for April 2026)<\/p>\n Friday, May 1, 2026 (check for May 2026)<\/p>\n Monday, June 1, 2026 (check for June 2026)<\/p>\n Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (check for July 2026)<\/p>\n Friday, July 31, 2026 (check for August 2026)<\/p>\n Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026 (check for September 2026)<\/p>\n Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 (check for October 2026)<\/p>\n Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 (check for November 2026)<\/p>\n Tuesday,\u00a0Dec. 1, 2026 (check for December 2026)<\/p>\n Social Security warns retirees of scams<\/p>\n A researcher browses an internet site with a job offer for a United Nations agency that has been flagged as a scam in Nairobi on June 30, 2022.<\/p>\n Tony Karumba\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n The SSA is alerting retirees about an ongoing scam<\/a> involving impostor emails.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The emails falsely claim to provide access to a recipient\u2019s Social Security statement. Clicking links in the message can lead to identity theft, financial loss or compromised personal data.<\/p>\n In a news release<\/a>, the Social Security Office of Inspector General\u00a0warned that scammers are sending emails to appear legitimate, using official-looking language, logos, colors, and formatting to mislead recipients into clicking links or downloading attachments.\u00a0<\/p>\n Official SSA communications originate from email addresses ending in \u201c.gov.\u201d<\/p>\n If one were to click the fraudulent email, the links may install malware or direct victims to fake websites intended to steal personal and financial information.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what the SSA warns people to watch for in their inbox:<\/p>\n Messages claiming your Social Security statement is ready to download Read more:\u00a0Is that Social Security email a scam? What to know about new SSA warning<\/a><\/p>\n Will Social Security benefits be taxed in 2026?<\/p>\n Depending on your combined income, Social Security benefits may be taxable. Combined income “includes your adjusted gross income, tax-exempt interest income and half of your Social Security benefits,” according to the SSA<\/a>. Here’s what you can be taxed based on your combined income, or adjusted gross income:<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Below $25,000 ($32,000 for joint filers): no tax However, the \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill Act\u201d<\/a> has changed federal tax law to reduce taxable adjusted gross income through higher standard deductions and new senior-specific deductions. This means more retirees will remain below the combined income thresholds, thus reducing the benefit amount eligible to be taxed.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a quick breakdown.<\/p>\n Senior deduction<\/p>\n Beneficiaries ages 65 and older can claim a new additional deduction of up to $6,000, or $12,000 for married couples who file jointly, against taxable income. This can, in turn, lower adjusted gross income\u00a0and reduce the amount of Social Security benefits subject to tax.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Standard deduction increase<\/p>\n The standard deduction has increased for all beneficiaries:<\/p>\n $16,100 for single filers Read more:\u00a0Where’s my refund? How to track your IRS tax refund in 2026 before April 15 deadline<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n What is Supplemental Security Income?<\/p>\n Supplemental Security Income provides monthly benefits to those with limited income or resources who are 65 or older, blind or have a qualifying disability. Children with a qualifying disability can also get SSI, according to the SSA’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n In general, adults who qualify for SSI do not have monthly wages above $2,019<\/a>.<\/p>\n Those who may be eligible for SSI can begin the application process online<\/a>, in person at their local Social Security office<\/a>, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n How to get a new Social Security card<\/p>\n A Social Security card is shown in Tigard, Ore., Oct. 12, 2021.<\/p>\n Jenny Kane\/AP<\/p>\n The most convenient and secure method is to request a new Social Security card online if you:<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n are a U.S. citizen aged 18 or older An application for a new card can be completed by visiting a local Social Security office. You may be able to start the application (Form SS-5<\/a>) online before scheduling an appointment, or fill out the entire application in-office. In addition to Form SS-5, you must bring unexpired identification documents to the office.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nEmbedded links or attachments labeled as statements or documents
\nMessages creating urgency or pressure to act immediately
\nSender addresses that do not end in \u201c.gov\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBetween $25,000 and $34,000 ($32,000 and $44,000 for joint filers): you must pay taxes for up to 50% of your benefits
\nAbove $34,000 ($44,000 for joint filers): you must pay taxes for up to 85% of your benefits<\/p>\n
\n$32,200 for married\/joint filers<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nhave a U.S. mailing address
\ndon\u2019t need to change the name or other information on the card
\nhave a driver\u2019s license or state-issued ID
\nhave a personal My Social Security account<\/a><\/p>\n