Social Security monthly benefits are a boon to millions of Americans as they support them in covering their living expenses. The Social Security Administration adjusts it annually based on the inflation rate to ensure the payment is enough for the recipients.
From April 2025, Social Security payments will increase for many recipients due to the Social Security Fairness Act implementation. The regular recipients who are not affected by the act would receive their regular payment based on their situation.
Under the Social Security benefits, the government offers retirement, disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other benefits to the elderly, survivors, or disabled people. The recipients would receive monthly benefits on the particular scheduled date.
| Who qualifies? | Retirees, disabled people, survivors, or need support for the essential items |
| Max. payment | Up to $5180 for retirees who reach full retirement age |
| Payout Date | SSI: First day of the month Second Wednesday: Birth date 1st to 10th Third Wednesday: Birth date 11th to 20th Fourth Wednesday: Birth date 21st to 31st Birth before May 1997 and qualify for SSI as well: 3rd day of the month |
| Call (for inquiry) | 1-800-772-1213 |
| Official Website | https://www.ssa.gov/ |
Eligibility
The federal government offers Social Security benefits to U.S. citizens if you meet the following eligibility requirements:
- When you age or retire and need support;
- When you can’t work or stop working due to blindness or disability;
- When you lose a spouse or a young child who has lost a parent and needs support;
- When you are facing financial hardships and have difficulty paying for the essentials, such as clothing, food, or a home.
U.S. citizens should check the eligibility criteria for the Social Security benefit they wish to apply for before applying. The SSA also allows Americans to check their eligibility on the official website for the various benefits available under the SSA.
Payment Schedule
The Social Security Administration processes the Social Security payments on Wednesday based on the birth date and the following rules:
- The recipients who were born between 1st to 10th will receive the payment on the second Wednesday.
- The recipients who were born between the 11th to the 20th will receive the payment on the third Wednesday.
- The recipients who were born between the 21st to 31st will receive the payment on the fourth Wednesday.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will process on the first day of the month.
- If you received Social Security before May 1997 or received both SSI & Social Security will receive the SSI payment on the first of every month or the Social Security on the third day of the month.
Based on the Social Security payment rules, the recipients can receive the April 2025 payment on the following day:
- Birth Date between 1st to 10th: 09 April 2025
- Birth Date between 11th to 20th: 16 April 2025
- Birth Date between 21st to 31st: 23 April 2025
- SSI payout: 01 April 2025
- Social security recipients born before May 1997 or who qualify for SSI as well, will also receive the Social Security benefit: 03 April 2025
Payment Increase from April 2025
Social Security recipients whose payments were affected due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) can now expect the increase in their payments as the provisions are eliminated. The administration has also started disbursement of the retroactive payments up to $6710 to the affected recipients for missing their payments.
Due to these provisions, the recipients affected can expect their payment boost from April 2025. The payment will not increase from the 2025 adjustment, but it will be the full payment they were eligible for, but couldn’t receive the full payment due to the provisions.
According to the reports, the Social Security payments for recipients affected by the WEP and GPO can expect an increase of $1000 in their payout. The payment can be reduced or affected due to the situations that can affect your payment.
2025 Benefit Amount
As we mentioned earlier, the SSA annually reviews the COLA adjustment to ensure the payment is enough for the recipients as it matches the inflation. Based on the 2025 COLA adjustment, the payment will be increased by 2.5%.
Based on the 2025 COLA adjustment, you can expect the following monthly payout under the Social Security benefits:
- Supplemental Security Income: $967 (individuals), and $1450 (Couples)
- Retirement Benefit when reaching full retirement age: $5,180
- Retirement Benefit under full retirement age: $1950
What to do if the payment is late?
Generally, the delay in the Social Security payments is not common, but if your payment does not arrive on the payment date, they should take the following action:
- You should first check your bank account to ensure it is active and valid to check if there is any issue in payment processing.
- You should wait for three additional mailing days before contacting the administration.
- You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and inquire about the payment delay and get assistance.
The Social Security recipients should mark their benefit payment dates to ensure they receive their payment on time. The recipients can expect some delay in the application or payment as the Trump Administration is cutting the staff. Hence, keep an eye on your payments and contact the administration about your payouts.