We’re already halfway through the month and approaching a new round of Social Security payments.
Two payments have already been made, the first on March 3 for beneficiaries who have received payments since before May 1997 and the second on February 28 for those who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI); the latter group received the SSI payment early because March 1 was a Saturday.
Additional Social Security payments in March 2025 will be made on March 19 and 26, depending on the date of birth and the beginning of benefits.
In 2025, the maximum Social Security benefit will be $5,108 per month for those who retire at age 70, while those who retire at age 67 will receive up to $4,018. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) has already been reflected in March payments.
Social Security schedule segmented by dates of birth
Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of the month will receive their payment on March 19. Those with dates between the 21st and 31st will do so on the 26th of the same month. As previously stated, those who began receiving benefits before May 1997 follow the traditional calendar, with payments on the third of each month.
The timing of receiving benefits can have an unexpected impact on the amount received. Those who delayed retirement until age 70 earn up to 27% more than those who retired at age 67. According to SSA regulations, this system seeks to compensate for the wait by providing deferred retirement credits.
To be eligible for the maximum benefit of $5,108, workers must have contributed for at least 35 years with income equal to the taxable ceiling, which in 2025 will be $176,100 per year. Those who do not meet these requirements will receive proportional amounts based on their work history and retirement age.
How to receive your Social Security payment faster than others
Direct deposits are the most common and reliable method, but those who receive physical checks should allow up to three business days before reporting any issues.
According to the official calendar, the 19th and 26th payment dates in March 2025 will be on Wednesdays, free of federal holidays. Direct payment is faster because it is made electronically, and delays are virtually non-existent.
Some beneficiaries will receive more money due to a legislative change
The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 eliminates public pension reductions (WEP/GPO). Although the effects on payments will begin in April 2025, the March amounts will remain unchanged. This reform will primarily benefit public employees and educators.
More than 3.2 million people are affected by WEP and GPO, but only 1.12 million Americans have received retroactive payments totaling $3.2 billion.
This implies that the average may change with additional payments. Analysts predict an average monthly increase of $360, while others predict increases of up to $1,000, indicating a wide range of predictions that may be premature or risky.
