Core Insights - The April Social Security payments are scheduled based on birth dates, with payments distributed on April 9, April 15, and April 23 for different groups, and an earlier payment on April 3 for certain beneficiaries [2][8] - The 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase is being offset by a $17.90 rise in Medicare Part B premiums, which has increased from $185 to $202.90, impacting the net benefit for recipients [4][8] - Rising oil prices, which have surged from $63.77 to $94.65 per barrel, are contributing to higher inflation in services (3.5% year-over-year) and fuel costs, further eroding the benefits of the COLA increase [8] Payment Schedule - Payments are staggered: April 9 for those born from the 1st to the 10th, April 15 for those born from the 11th to the 20th, and April 23 for those born from the 21st to the 31st [2][8] - Beneficiaries who began collecting before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI will receive their payments earlier on April 3 [2][8] Benefit Adjustments - The average monthly benefit for retired workers has been adjusted to between $2,015 and $2,071 before Medicare deductions, reflecting the new COLA [6] - The Social Security Administration has implemented a new National Appointment Scheduling Calendar (NASC) to manage field office appointments and claims, adding complexity to the claims process [6]