Millions of Social Security recipients will see changes to their monthly payments in 2025, with adjustments to benefit amounts and payment schedules. A 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) has been approved to help retirees and other beneficiaries keep up with inflation. But when exactly will you get your payment, and how much more can you expect? Here’s what you need to know.
Bigger Payments in 2025
Thanks to the COLA increase, Social Security recipients will see an average boost of about $49 per month. This means the average monthly benefit will rise from $1,927 to $1,976. If you retire at full retirement age (67), the maximum benefit will now be $4,018 per month.
For those receiving the minimum Social Security payment, which includes some lower-income individuals, monthly checks will increase to $762 after the adjustment. While this may not seem like a huge jump, every bit helps in today’s economy.
When Will You Get Your Social Security Payment?
Social Security payments are sent out based on your birth date. Here’s how the schedule works:
- If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, you’ll receive your payment on the second Wednesday of the month.
- If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, you’ll be paid on the third Wednesday of the month.
- If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, your payment will arrive on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
For January 2025, that means checks will be deposited on January 8, 15, and 22, depending on your birth date.
However, if you started receiving Social Security before May 1997 or you get both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security, your payment will arrive earlier—on January 3.
Changes to SSI Payments
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment schedule is slightly different. SSI payments usually go out on the first of each month, but if that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the SSA will issue the payment on the nearest business day before it.
For example, January’s SSI payment will actually be sent on December 31, 2024, instead of January 1. Similarly, February’s payment will go out on January 31, 2025, because February 1 falls on a weekend.
New Law Boosts Benefits for Some Workers
Another big change in 2025 comes from the Social Security Fairness Act, recently signed into law by President Joe Biden. This law eliminates certain penalties that reduced benefits for public workers, such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers.
Because of this, nearly 3 million Americans will see their monthly Social Security checks increase—some by as much as $1,190 per month by the end of the year.
What Should You Do Now?
If you rely on Social Security, it’s important to know exactly when your payment will arrive. If you don’t see your check on time, the SSA recommends waiting at least three business days before contacting them.
You can also check your My Social Security account online to review your benefits, payment dates, and any updates to your records.
With these changes coming in 2025, Social Security recipients should be prepared and stay informed to make the most of their benefits.
