Social Security Boosts: April 2025 brings multiple opportunities for Americans to receive more money—sometimes exceeding $200—through unclaimed tax credits, timing shifts in Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and enhanced Social Security benefits. Here’s how to maximize your April budget and ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Potential Amount | Action Required | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery Rebate Credit | Up to $1,400 | File 2021 tax return | April 15, 2025 |
| Child Tax Credit | Up to $3,600 per child | File 2021 tax return | April 15, 2025 |
| Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | Up to $7,830 | File 2021 tax return | April 15, 2025 |
| SSI Double Payment (May) | One extra check in May | No action needed | N/A |
| Social Security Fairness Act | +$360/mo average + ~$6,710 retro | No action needed | N/A |
1. Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (Up to $1,400)
Missed your third stimulus check in 2021? The Recovery Rebate Credit lets you claim up to $1,400 if you file a 2021 return.
- Who Qualifies? U.S. citizens or resident aliens in 2021, not claimed as a dependent, valid SSN, income below $75K (single) or $150K (married).
- Next Steps: File a 2021 federal tax return—even if you normally don’t. Opt for direct deposit to speed up your refund.
- Deadline: April 15, 2025.
2. SSI Recipients: Two Payments in May
SSI beneficiaries will see two payments in May—on May 1 and May 30—because the June 1 payment shifts to the prior business day (May 30).
- Impact: No extra money overall, but better cash flow in May.
- Action: None. Schedule your bills around the two May deposits.
3. Social Security Fairness Act Increases
The 2025 Fairness Act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), boosting benefits for many retirees.
- Benefit Increase: Average monthly boost of $360; retroactive checks averaging $6,710.
- Action: None. If you were affected by WEP/GPO, increased payments and back pay arrive automatically.
4. Child Tax Credit: Up to $3,600 per Child
Families can still claim the 2021 Child Tax Credit—$3,600 for kids under 6 and $3,000 for ages 6–17—by filing a return.
- Who Qualifies? Households with qualifying dependents, regardless of prior filing status.
- Next Steps: File a 2021 return with all dependents listed; choose direct deposit.
- Deadline: April 15, 2025.
5. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Up to $7,830
Low- to moderate-income workers can claim up to $7,830 via the EITC.
- Eligibility: Earned income required; limits vary by family size (up to ~$59,000).
- Action: File a 2021 return. Even if you owe no tax, you may receive a refund.
FAQs
Q1: I don’t usually file taxes. Can I still claim these credits?
Yes. Filing a 2021 return is all that’s needed to claim the Recovery Rebate, Child Tax Credit, or EITC—even with minimal income.
Q2: Will I lose my June SSI payment if I get two in May?
No. The May 30 SSI payment covers the June benefit, so total annual benefits remain unchanged.
Q3: Do I need to apply for Social Security increases?
No. Eligible retirees receive boosted benefits and retroactive pay automatically.
Q4: What happens if I miss the April 15 deadline?
You could permanently forfeit the Recovery Rebate Credit and other 2021-related credits. File as soon as possible to avoid missing out.