Are you expecting your first Social Security payments in 2025? As the payment dates approach, it’s important to understand when you’ll receive your money and how much you can anticipate after the cost-of-living adjustments. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know so you don’t miss any key details.
Social Security will begin issuing the first payments of 2025 in January.
However, the exact date you’ll receive your payment depends primarily on your birthdate. Just like in previous years, your payment schedule is determined by the day of the month you were born, which will indicate whether you get paid at the beginning, middle, or end of the month.
When do Social Security payments start in 2025?
If you started receiving benefits before May 1997 or you’re receiving both Social Security and SSI (Supplemental Security Income), your Social Security payment will be made on the 3rd of each month, while your SSI payment will be made on the 1st. If either of these dates falls on a federal holiday or weekend, you’ll get your money on the business day before.
How much will the average Social Security check be in 2025?
Although the official cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 hasn’t been announced yet, some experts, such as economist David Payne from Kiplinger, predict that the increase could be around 2.5%.
In August 2024, the average monthly check for Social Security beneficiaries was $1,920.48, according to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA). If a 2.5% increase is confirmed, beneficiaries could see an annual increase of about $576, which works out to an additional $48 each month. This would bring the average monthly check to approximately $1,968.48 in 2025.
While we wait for more details about the 2025 COLA, you can look at the current average Social Security payment amounts based on beneficiaries’ ages to get an idea of what you might receive.
Social Security payment dates in 2025
The 2025 Social Security payment schedule is already confirmed. Here are the dates you’ll receive your money, depending on your birthdate:
Birthdate between the 1st and 10th:
- January: Wednesday, January 8
- February: Wednesday, February 12
- March: Wednesday, March 12
Birthdate between the 11th and 20th:
- January: Wednesday, January 15
- February: Wednesday, February 19
- March: Wednesday, March 19
Birthdate between the 21st and 31st:
- January: Wednesday, January 22
- February: Wednesday, February 26
- March: Wednesday, March 26
And this pattern will continue throughout the year, with payments always being made on the corresponding Wednesday based on the week of your birthdate. It’s important to keep this schedule in mind to manage your finances.
What happens if your payment date falls on a holiday?
If your Social Security payment date lands on a federal holiday or a weekend, don’t worry—you’ll receive your money on the last business day before the holiday. This ensures that you have access to your benefits on time, regardless of special dates.
How to manage your Social Security account online
If you haven’t already set up an online Social Security account, it’s a good idea to register for My Social Security. This platform allows you to securely manage your personal information and take care of various tasks without needing to visit an office.
With a My Social Security account, you can:
- Request a replacement Social Security card in case of loss or theft.
- Check the status of your benefits applications.
- Calculate your future benefits based on your current contributions.
- Update your direct deposit information.
- Download your 1099 form for tax filing.
Additionally, if you travel frequently or are concerned about mail theft, you can opt to receive electronic notifications instead of traditional mail.