The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays monthly benefits to Social Security beneficiaries, which include retirees, people with disabilities, and their surviving families.
In February 2025, Social Security payments in the United States will be distributed based on beneficiaries’ dates of birth and the type of benefit they receive. Retirement benefits are paid out on Wednesdays to those who retired after May 1997, based on their birth date.
The three February Social Security payment dates
To begin, we must clarify that beneficiaries who claimed retirement before May 1997, or who receive retirement benefits in conjunction with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), have a different date: normally, this payment is made on the first of each month, but because February 1 fell on a Saturday, the payment was moved forward to January 31.
Now let’s look at the three February payments for retirees (after May 1997):
- Second Wednesday (February 12, 2025): Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- Third Wednesday (February 19, 2025): Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of any month.
- Fourth Wednesday (February 26, 2025): Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
The maximum Social Security payment can be up to $5,108
Several factors must be considered when applying for Social Security benefits. Before you can receive Social Security benefits, the SSA will verify that you have worked or will work for the previous 35 years.
They will then take and analyze your income, adjusting it based on the Average Wage Index (AWI), to reflect the rising standard of living during your working years.
After that, your Social Security benefit will be calculated by averaging your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. Finally, officials calculate the amount of Social Security benefit you will receive based on your birth date and desired election year.
In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit for those retiring at age 70 is $5,108, up from $4,873 in 2024. This translates into a maximum annual benefit of $61,296 in 2025, up from $58,476 in 2024.
The maximum amount is for those who have had high incomes, paid all of their Social Security taxes, and deferred their retirement, as previously explained.
The top 3 states to retire in the USA in 2025
According to a recent WalletHub study, the best states for retirement in 2025 are Florida, Colorado, and South Dakota. These states are ideal for retirees because of their affordability, high quality of life, and easy access to healthcare.
Florida, in particular, is a popular destination for retirees due to its warm weather, lack of state income tax, and abundance of recreational opportunities.
Colorado is another excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, with breathtaking scenery and numerous opportunities for hiking, skiing, and fishing. Finally, the lovely state of South Dakota has a lower cost of living than many other states, as well as a friendly and welcoming environment.
