The first Social Security payments for 2025 will arrive in January. Most beneficiaries’ payment dates are determined by their birth date, with some exceptions.
Those who began receiving retirement benefits before May 1997, or who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), have a different payment schedule. In such cases, Social Security payments are typically made on the third of the month, while SSI payments are issued on the first.
If your scheduled payment date coincides with a federal holiday or falls on a weekend, your benefits will be delivered on the weekday immediately preceding the holiday or weekend. This ensures that beneficiaries do not experience payment delays due to calendar conflicts.
Social security checks in 2025
Looking ahead to what beneficiaries can expect in terms of Social Security payments in 2025, the official cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase remains uncertain. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has yet to release the precise figure.
However, economists are already forecasting based on current data. David Payne, a Kiplinger economist, estimates that the COLA for 2025 will be approximately 2.5%.
According to the SSA, the average Social Security check for all retirees in August 2024 was $1,920.48, which, if Payne’s estimate is correct and the COLA increase is 2.5%, would result in an additional $576 per year for beneficiaries.
That means retirees’ monthly payments would increase by about $48.00, for a new average monthly payment of around $1,968.48.
Schedule of Social Security benefit payments in 2025
Retirees can find the confirmed dates for the 2025 payment schedule on the Social Security Administration’s calendar. The payment schedule is determined by your birth date, with those born on specific dates receiving payments on the corresponding Wednesdays of each month.
In general, if your birthday falls between the first and tenth of the month, your payment will arrive on the second Wednesday of that month.
If your birthday falls between the 11th and the 20th, you will receive your payment on the third Wednesday of the month, while those born between the 21st and the 31st will receive their payment on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
However, as previously stated, recipients of both Social Security and SSI, or those receiving benefits prior to May 1997, have a different payment schedule, with payments typically made on the third of each month unless affected by a holiday or weekend.
Recommendations for beneficiaries
In addition to keeping track of payment schedules, beneficiaries should consider setting up a “my Social Security” account if they haven’t already. This secure online tool allows you to easily manage your Social Security information. Signing up for an account provides you with access to a variety of services that can help you manage your benefits more efficiently.
For example, a “my Social Security” account allows you to request a replacement Social Security card, which is especially useful if your card has been lost or damaged. Additionally, the platform allows you to check the status of any pending applications and estimate your future benefits.
This feature can be extremely useful for planning purposes, especially as you approach retirement or decide when to start claiming your benefits.
Furthermore, you can update your direct deposit information through the account, ensuring that any changes to your banking information are reflected in your payments without having to visit an SSA office in person. The platform also gives you access to your Social Security 1099 form, which you will need for tax purposes.
