The fourth Wednesday of March 2025, March 26, is the day Social Security payments are scheduled to be distributed to beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) established this system to divide disbursements into three monthly dates based on the day of birth.
According to projections, between 18 and 20 million people, or roughly one-third of the total 67 million beneficiaries, will receive their payments on the last day of the month. Some can earn more than $5,000 per month, but only a select group can.
The confirmed maximum amount for 2025 is $5,108 per month, which is aimed at workers who have made 35 years of maximum contributions and delayed retirement until they are 70 years old.
It is a figure that has been increased by the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment that will take effect in 2025. The average benefit is $1,907, which is a more reasonable figure for most retirees.
Who receives their Social Security payments this Wednesday?
Social Security payments provide an economic foundation for millions of Americans, particularly retirees and people with disabilities. By 2025, it is expected that 70% of beneficiaries will be retirees, reflecting the population’s progressive aging.
For survivors, these funds are extremely important (critical, for some) in meeting basic expenses. For example, widows over the age of 60 make up a sizable proportion of this group.
The Social Security Administration emphasizes that individual amounts are determined by factors such as years of contributions and average salary.
If your retirement payment is not enough, you have options to make ends meet
If your Social Security payment does not meet your needs, you have several options to consider. First, you might look for part-time work or other sources of income whenever possible.
You can also look into government assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food or low-income housing programs: SNAP is available across the United States, and affordable housing programs vary by state.
Another option is to relocate to a lower-cost area or seek help from local charities.
If your total income, including your Social Security payment, is extremely low, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a federal program for people over 65 who have limited income and resources and are blind or disabled.
To apply for SSI, you can:
- Visit the official SSA website at this link and complete the application online.
- Call the SSA number at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule a phone or in-person appointment.
- Visit a local SSA office by appointment, bringing with you documents such as identification, income information, resource details (such as bank accounts), and proof of age, blindness or disability, if applicable.
During the process, the SSA will determine your eligibility based on your income, resources, and status. It is critical to report any changes in your situation, such as additional income or changes in your housing, as these may affect your benefit.
The basic requirements include citizenship or eligible legal immigration status, living in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, not being confined in a government-run institution (such as a hospital or prison), being over 65 years old, or being blind or disabled according to SSA definitions.
Resources (such as money in the bank or vehicles) must not exceed certain limits, which in 2025 are $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples, though some resources, such as your primary residence, are exempt. SSI can pay up to $967 for an eligible individual and $1,450 for a cohabiting couple.
