The Social Security Administration is gearing up to send out its first batch of payments for 2025. These payments follow a specific schedule based on the recipient’s birth dates and the type of benefits they receive. Let’s break it down so you can see if you’re on the list.
Table of Contents
Who gets Social Security payments?
Each month the SSA distributes payments to about 73 million beneficiaries. These include,
- Retired workers
- Surviving spouses
- People receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients
Payment dates vary depending on the type of benefit and the beneficiaries date of birth.
How the payment schedule works
Social Security payments are usually scheduled this way:
- People born between the 1st and 10th of the month: Payments come on the second Wednesday.
- People born between the 11th and 20th of the month: Payments come on the third Wednesday.
- People born between the 21st and 31st of the month: Payments come on the fourth Wednesday.
Special cases
- Retirees who received Social Security before May 1997: Payments come on the third day of the month, regardless of their birth date.
- SSI recipients: Payments are usually made on the first of each month.
For those receiving both SSI and Social Security benefits, SSI payments are made on the first of the month, and Social Security payments follow a birth date schedule.
See also: Good News for New York: New $900 stimulus check for winter heating expenses
Who will get a payment on January 8?
The SSA has already sent out January payments for some groups:
- SSI beneficiaries: Payments were sent on December 31 because January 1 is a federal holiday.
- For retirees who began collecting benefits before May 1997, payments were sent on January 3.
If your birth date is between the first and 10th of the month, you’re next! Expect your payment on Wednesday, January 8. The average payment for this group is about $1,976, thanks to a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase.
See also: Minimum Wages Rising in The US 2025: What You Need to Know
How Much Will You Receive?
Social Security benefits vary based on factors like your earnings history and the age at which you start receiving benefits. Here’s a quick look at the average monthly payments for 2025:
| Beneficiary Type | Average Payment (2025) |
| All retired workers | $1,927 – $1,976 |
| Elderly couple (both receiving benefits) | $3,014 – $3,089 |
| Widowed parent with two children | $3,669 – $3,761 |
| Elderly widow(er) | $1,788 – $1,832 |
| Disabled workers, spouses, and children | $2,757 – $2,826 |
| All disabled workers | $1,542 – $1,580 |
The maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 2025 are:
- $967 for an individual
- $1,450 for a couple
- $484 for an essential person
Maximum Retirement Benefits
Here are the highest monthly benefits you can receive based on your age:
- 62 years old: Up to $2,831
- 65 years old: Up to $3,374
- 66 years old: Up to $3,795
- 67 years old: Up to $4,043
- 70 years or older: Up to $5,108
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) ensures that Social Security payments keep up with inflation. For 2025, the COLA increase is 2.5%, helping beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power as living costs rise.
FAQs
1. How do I know when I’ll get my Social Security payment?
Your payment date depends on your birth date. Refer to the schedule provided above to find out when to expect your check.
2. What is the average Social Security payment for 2025?
The average payment for retired workers is around $1,976 per month, but this can vary based on individual factors.
3. What is COLA, and how does it affect payments?
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is a yearly increase in payments to match inflation. For 2025, the COLA increase is 2.5%.
The final words
Social Security payments are a lifeline for millions of people. If your birth date falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, look out for your payment on 8 January. Understanding how the system works can help you plan your finances better. To learn more about your benefits and how much you’re entitled to, visit the SSA’s official website.