It nearly goes without saying that you'll need to stay on top of the annual Social Security changes and modify your budget in order to manage your life as a retiree. Below you will find a schedule of Social Security benefit payments for the year 2025.
What is Social Security Payments ?
Social Security, officially known as OASDI (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) program, provides monthly monetary benefits to eligible employees and their dependents. Employees, employers, and self-employed people pay Social Security taxes, which are then deposited into two Social Security trust funds, to finance this entitlement program. The amount of a person's benefits and eligibility are determined by their Social Security contributions and employment history.
The Social Security Administration publishes a calendar each year indicating when the various Social Security benefits will be paid for the upcoming year. Benefits are provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to retired Americans, disabled employees and individuals, working spouses, and widows and widowers.
Your retirement or disability payments, if you're receiving Social Security, will be paid to you in one lump sum each month. Depending on the kind of benefit you are receiving, the SSA may base the Social Security payment dates on your birthdate.
The payment of Social Security benefits are paid electronically. By instructing Social Security to make a direct deposit into your bank account, you can receive your benefits. The second option is to have Social Security issue you a Direct Express debit card in order to receive your benefits. Your monthly Social Security funds are loaded into the debit card, which you then use to make purchases.
Types of Social Security Benefits
The following Social Security benefits are provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) :
This is the most well-known kind of Social Security benefit, which is offered to people over the age of 62 who have worked for at least ten years. The amount of retirement benefits a person receives is based on their pre-retirement pay and the age at which they start receiving benefits. In addition, regardless of whether they have made contributions to the program, a retiree's spouse (whether they are still together or have divorced) may also be qualified for Social Security retirement benefits.
If a person has worked a particular number of years and is disabled and unable to work, they may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The quantity of work required increases with age, and the monthly payout is dependent on the person's pre-disability income. SSDI might be accessible to a retiree's spouse in addition to retirement benefits (whether current or former).
After a worker or retiree passes away, survivors benefits are normally accessible to their widows, widowers, qualified divorced spouses, and children. The amount of the benefit varies according to the worker's pay, age of death, and the survivor's age and relationship to the deceased person. A one-time payment of $255 is made to the spouse or children of a deceased retiree as a supplemental death benefit, which is also offered.
Despite not being a part of Social Security, the SSA offers a fourth category of benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is funded by general tax revenues, is a needs-based program created to assist people with low incomes and resources who are unable to find sufficient employment on their own.
Those who are 65 years of age or older, as well as disabled adults and children, are qualified to receive SSI benefits. Federal and state legislation that take into account a retiree's residence, household members, and other sources of income determine how much they are entitled to receive. Anyone who has adequate work experience may qualify for both SSI and Social Security payments without needing any work credits.
Key Facts of Social Security Payment Schedule
- Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor payments are paid on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the day the retiree was born.
- You will receive your SSI payment early, if the 1st is a holiday or weekend.
- Benefits payments can be made through prepaid card or direct deposit.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information
The U.S. Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) measures the social security benefit rates rise in tandem with the cost of living. Increased inflation rates that drive up the price of goods and services elevate this indicator. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide what is known as a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to cover these expenses and make sure that inflation doesn't reduce the purchasing power of Social Security income.
COLAs are calculated in accordance with a formula set forth in the Social Security Act based on increases in the CPI-W. A COLA is specifically equal to the percentage rise in the CPI-W from the average for the third quarter of the current year to the average for the third quarter of the year before a COLA was implemented. To the nearest tenth of one percent, increases must be rounded. No COLA is given for that year if there is no rise or if the final number rounds to zero.
Exceptions for Social Security Payment Schedule
There are various circumstances in which Social Security benefits are paid at a different time than the typical payment schedule. The current exclusions consist of :
- Payment to spouses or children, who receive benefits based on someone else’s work record will be paid on the same day as that primary beneficiary.
- Benefits to individuals who also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to blindness, disability or age will be paid on the first of each month.
- Individuals whose payment date falls on a federal weekend or holiday will be paid on the weekday immediately prior.
Additionally, individuals will automatically receive Social Security payments on the third of every month, if :
- If you applied for Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits prior to May 1, 1997, a payment date exemption can be made.
- There can be a payment date exception, if you additionally get SSI payments along with retirement benefits.
- Whether Medicare is covered by the state in which you live is another prerequisite for a payment date exception.
- There can be an exemption to the payment date, if you live in a foreign country.
Social Security Payment Schedule for 2025
Approximately, 25% of older Americans rely on their monthly payment for the bulk of their income, and about half of these individuals live in homes where Social Security payments account for at least 50% of their income. As a result, it's critical for retirees to understand when they can expect to get their benefits.
Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability benefits all are distributed on one of three Wednesdays each month for beneficiaries who started receiving benefits after May 1997. A beneficiary's birthdate determines when they will receive payments, as detailed below :
- The second Wednesday of every month is when you'll get your Social Security payments, if you born between 1st and the 10th.
- The third Wednesday of the each month is when you will receive your Social Security payments, if you born between 11th and the 20th.
- The fourth Wednesday of the month is when you'll get your Social Security payments, if you born between 21st and the 31st.
Birthdate | Payment date |
1st - 10th | Second Wednesday |
11th - 20th | Third Wednesday |
21st - 31st | Fourth Wednesday |
The payment schedule for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is different. Specifically, SSI payments are made on the first of every month. The final Friday of the previous month will serve as the new payment date, if the first of the month falls on a weekend. In 2025, SSI beneficiaries will get their benefits at the beginning and end of March, June, and September, payments will not be made in January, April, July, or October.
Social Security Payment Schedule 2025 :
|
Second Wednesday |
Third Wednesday |
Fourth Wednesday |
|
|
January |
January
8, 2025 |
January
15, 2025 |
January
22, 2025 |
|
February |
February
12, 2025 |
February
19, 2025 |
February
26, 2025 |
|
March |
March 12, 2025 |
March 19, 2025 |
March
26, 2025 |
|
April |
April
9, 2025 |
April
16, 2025 |
April
23, 2025 |
|
May |
May 14,
2025 |
May 21,
2025 |
May 28,
2025 |
|
June |
June
11, 2025 |
June
18, 2025 |
June
25, 2025 |
|
July |
July
9, 2025 |
July
16, 2025 |
July 23, 2025 |
|
August |
August
13, 2025 |
August
20, 2025 |
August
27, 2025 |
|
September |
September
10, 2025 |
September 17, 2025 |
September
24, 2025 |
|
October |
October
8, 2025 |
October
15, 2025 |
October
22, 2025 |
|
November |
November
12, 2025 |
November
19, 2025 |
November
26, 2025 |
|
December |
December
10, 2025 |
December
17, 2025 |
December
24, 2025 |
How to Get Social Security Payments ?
Social Security benefits are issued electronically. Individuals receiving benefits also have some digital options.
Direct deposit can be used to distribute Social Security benefits. To enroll, people can go to their local branch or contact with the Social Security office. People should be prepared to provide their Social Security number, the routing number of their financial institution, their account number, and the kind of their account.
A Direct Express card may also be used to deliver or distribute Social Security benefits. With the help of a Direct Express card, one can receive benefits without having a bank account. The card is directly loaded with monthly benefits, and users can make purchases with it. Direct Express card can also be used at banks, ATMs, or credit unions to get cash.
Social Security Payment Calculator
Benefit projections are based on your date of birth and past wages. The "Social Security Quick Calculator" will estimate your earnings based on the data you enter, for security reasons, it does not access your earnings record. As a result, the Quick Calculator's benefit estimations are approximate. Even though the "Social Security Quick Calculator" initially assumes something about your prior earnings, you will have the option to modify that assumption.
Reasons of Social Security Late Payment
Social Security benefits might occasionally be received late for a variety of reasons. These reasons may consist of, but not be limited to :
- Initial Social Security benefit delays.
- Slowdowns in SSA processes.
- Severe or inclement weather.
- Changes to your payment details. (such as a new checking account)
- Alterations to your personal data. (such as your mailing address)
Contact the SSA right once, if your Social Security payment is late. Contact your local SSA office, if you experience delays that might be brought on by changes to your personal information. The SSA frequently publishes notices of delays that affect a region or a large number of people all at once.
What, if Social Security Payments are Not Received ?
The Social Security Administration advises waiting three more mailing days before calling if, due to your birth date or other circumstances, your check doesn't arrive on the day specified above. You can then call 800-772-1213 to talk with a representative if you still haven't gotten it. Visit ssa.gov/myaccount to view your Social Security benefits online while you wait.
The SSA notes that wait times are shorter Wednesday through Friday and later in the day to speak with a representative (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time).
Tax on Social Security Benefits
Depending on your income level, you could have to pay taxes on your Social Security payout. A portion of your Social Security benefits may be subject to taxation if your retirement income exceeds a specified threshold.
Up to 50% of the benefits received by single filers with an income between $25,000 and $34,000 will be subject to income tax. Up to 85% of the benefits can be taxable if they earn more than $34,000.
If a married couple's joint income is between $32,000 and $44,000, 50% of the benefits may be subject to income tax. If they earn more than $44,000, they may be required to pay taxes on up to 85% of the benefit.
When submitting your tax return, bear this in mind. So that you don't have a hefty tax burden on Tax Day, you might be able to withhold taxes from your Social Security benefit instalments. For more information, check your SSA account online or stop by your local Social Security office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Social Security payout schedule for 2025?
Every month, on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday, Social Security benefits will be paid. Depending on the day of the month a retiree was born, one of these three options will be picked..
When does the SSA distribute Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
The third day of the month will see a Social Security payment for those who were born before May 1997 or who receive both SSI and Social Security. Payments will be made on the first Friday of the next month if the third of the month falls on a weekend. On the first day, SSI payments (if applicable) will be received.
Does Social Security pay a month early or a month late?
Benefits from Social Security are paid in the month that comes after the month in which they are due. For example, Social Security benefits are paid in February after being awarded in January.