Good news for Social Security beneficiaries! If you’re 66 years old and receiving retirement benefits, you can expect an average payment of $1,818. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released the payment schedule, and your check is coming soon—but the exact date depends on your birth date.
Here’s when you can expect your payment in February and March 2025:
- February 3: If you started receiving benefits before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your check will arrive on this date.
- February 19: If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of the month, expect your payment on this date.
- February 26: If you were born between the 21st and 31st, this is your payment date.
- March 3: Like the February 3rd group, this date is for those who started receiving Social Security before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI.
- March 12: If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month, this is when you’ll get paid.
The SSA follows this staggered schedule to distribute payments evenly throughout the month. If you’re unsure about your payment date, you can check it through your my Social Security account on the SSA website.
Are You Eligible for Social Security at 66?
To qualify for Social Security benefits at 66, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 62 years old. Although benefits start at 62, full retirement age varies depending on your birth year.
- Have at least 40 work credits. This equals about 10 years of work where you paid Social Security taxes.
If you were born between 1943 and 1954, your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is 66. For those born after, the FRA gradually increases, reaching 67 for people born in 1960 or later.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Social Security Benefits
Many people don’t realize that taking Social Security early means receiving lower payments for life. If you claim benefits at 62, you’ll see a permanent reduction in your monthly check. However, if you wait until 70, your payments could increase by up to 24% compared to claiming at full retirement age.
Deciding when to start benefits depends on your financial needs, health, and retirement plans. Before making a decision, check the SSA’s retirement calculator to see how different claim ages will impact your benefits.
Stay on Top of Your Benefits
Want to know exactly how much you’ll get and when? Sign up for a my Social Security account at the SSA’s official website. This online tool lets you track payments, update personal details, and access your benefit statements.
With Social Security playing a crucial role in retirement income, staying informed is key. Make sure you know your payment schedule, check your eligibility, and plan ahead to maximize your benefits.
