Every month, over 70 million Americans receive their Social Security retirement payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These disbursements follow a set schedule that depends on when the recipient filed for benefits and their birthdate.
How the Payment Schedule Works
Fixed Payment Date for Pre-May 1997 Retirees
Retirees who began receiving their Social Security benefits before May 1997 are paid on the 3rd of every month. If the 3rd falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is typically moved to the nearest business day.
Birthdate-Based Payment System for Post-May 1997 Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries who started claiming their retirement benefits after May 1997 receive payments based on their date of birth, distributed on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of each month:
- 2nd Wednesday: Birthdays from the 1st to the 10th
- 3rd Wednesday: Birthdays from the 11th to the 20th
- 4th Wednesday: Birthdays from the 21st to the 31st
July 2025 Payment Schedule: Who’s Already Paid?
As of mid-July 2025:
- Payments for July 3rd (pre-May 1997 retirees) have already been issued.
- The second round of payments, sent on July 9th, covered retirees with birthdays between the 1st and 10th.
Next up:
- Beneficiaries born between July 11th and 20th will receive their payments on July 16th.
- Those born after the 21st will be paid on July 23rd.
How Much Can You Expect in 2025?
Retiring at Age 62
If you retire early at age 62, the maximum Social Security payment in 2025 is $2,831 per month. This assumes a strong earnings history but falls short of the full retirement benefit due to early claiming.
Full Retirement Age: Age 67
For individuals who delay retirement until age 67, the maximum monthly benefit increases to $4,018. This amount reflects the SSA’s full retirement age (FRA) benefits for those with 35 years of high income.
Delayed Retirement Until Age 70
The maximum possible benefit is reserved for those who retire at 70 after consistently earning at or above the taxable income cap for at least 35 years. In 2025, that top benefit is $5,108 per month.
Average Monthly Benefit
Most retirees, however, receive much less. In 2025, the average Social Security retirement payment ranges from $1,980 to $2,002 per month.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Delayed
If you haven’t received your Social Security payment on its scheduled date:
- Wait three business days in case of a processing delay.
- If the payment still hasn’t arrived, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- You can also check the status of your payment by logging in to your mySocialSecurity account.
Conclusion
Understanding your Social Security retirement benefits in 2025 is crucial for financial planning. With payments depending on retirement age, income history, and birthdate, staying informed helps ensure you receive the correct amount on time. If issues arise, prompt action with SSA support is the best step forward.
FAQs
1. When will I receive my Social Security payment if my birthday is on July 12?
You’ll receive your July 2025 Social Security payment on Wednesday, July 16, since your birthdate falls between the 11th and 20th.
2. Can I increase my Social Security benefit by delaying retirement?
Yes, delaying retirement until age 70 can boost your monthly benefit significantly—up to $5,108 per month in 2025 for those with maximum contributions.
3. What is the earliest age I can claim Social Security retirement benefits?
The earliest age you can start receiving retirement benefits is 62, although doing so results in reduced monthly payments.
4. What is the average Social Security check in 2025?
In 2025, most retirees receive an average benefit between $1,980 and $2,002 per month.
5. What should I do if my Social Security check is late?
First, wait three business days, then contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or check your mySocialSecurity account for updates.