If you rely on Social Security, you might have a little extra to smile about this Valentine’s Day. On February 12, 2025, some retirees will receive a higher Social Security payment, giving them a small boost in their monthly budget.
This increase is due to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025. While it’s not as large as the increases from a couple of years ago, it still helps keep up with inflation. This means that all Social Security payments in February 2025 will be higher than those in February 2024.
Who Will Receive This Social Security Increase on February 12?
Not all retirees will get their checks on this date. Only those in Group 2 qualify for the February 12th payment. To be in this group, you must:
- Have started receiving Social Security after May 1997.
- Have a birthday between the 1st and 10th of any month.
Your birth year or the specific month you were born doesn’t matter—only the day of the month and when you started collecting benefits. If you meet these conditions and use Direct Deposit, the money should arrive in your bank account before Valentine’s Day.
February 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
Social Security benefits are paid in groups based on your birth date. Here’s when you can expect your payment in February 2025:
| Payment Date | Who Receives It? |
| February 3 | Retirees who started collecting benefits before May 1997. |
| February 12 | Retirees in Group 2 (birthday between 1st-10th, started benefits after May 1997). |
| February 19 | Retirees in Group 3 (birthday between 11th-20th, started benefits after May 1997). |
| February 26 | Retirees in Group 4 (birthday between 21st-31st, started benefits after May 1997). |
Knowing when your payment arrives can help with budgeting and planning expenses.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Delayed
If your Social Security check doesn’t arrive on the expected date, here’s what you can do:
- Wait a day or two – Sometimes, payments take longer due to bank processing times.
- Check your deposit method – If you receive checks by mail, delivery might be slower.
- Contact Social Security – If you don’t receive your payment within a reasonable time, reach out to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for help.
FAQs
Will every Social Security recipient get a raise in 2025?
Yes, but the increase depends on the COLA adjustment. Some retirees may see a smaller increase than others.
What if my birthday is on the 10th, but I started collecting benefits before May 1997?
If you started collecting before May 1997, you belong to Group 1 and will receive your payment on February 3.
How much will my payment increase?
The COLA for 2025 determines the exact amount, but the highest possible monthly payment could reach $5,180.