Social Security Payment Dates for 2025: The first 2025 Social Security payments will begin arriving in January, following the established schedule based on the recipient’s date of birth. Special exceptions apply to those who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 or who are receiving both Social Security and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Payments will be adjusted to arrive on the weekday immediately prior if the scheduled date falls on a federal holiday or weekend
If you’re a Social Security recipient, it’s important to understand how the schedule works and what adjustments might affect your payment dates. This guide will also look at the updated 2025 COLA increase and what it means for monthly checks.
Social Security Payment Schedule for 2025
Recipients of Social Security payments can expect their monthly checks based on the following general schedule:
- Recipients who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI: Social Security is paid on the 3rd of each month, and SSI is paid on the 1st.
- Recipients whose payment date falls on a holiday or weekend: Payments will be made on the last business day before the scheduled date.
Social Security Payment Schedule for 2025 – Overview
Payment Type | Payment Date | Notes |
Social Security Only | Based on birth date | Paid on Wednesday depending on birth date. |
Social Security & SSI | Social Security: 3rd | SSI: 1st; adjusted for holidays or weekends. |
Federal Holiday Adjustment | Prior business day | Payments are moved earlier if the scheduled date is affected. |
What Will the Average Monthly Social Security Be in 2025?
The official COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) for 2025 is set at 2.5%. This increase reflects the latest forecast by Kiplinger economist David Payne.
- In October 2024, the average monthly Social Security check for all retirement beneficiaries was $1,840.31, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- With the 2.5% COLA adjustment, the average monthly check in 2025 will rise slightly, providing beneficiaries with modest additional financial support.
COLA adjustments are designed to help Social Security payments keep pace with inflation, ensuring recipients can maintain their purchasing power despite rising costs of living.
Eligibility Criteria for Social Security Payment Schedule for 2025
To receive Social Security benefits, recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Age Requirements:
- Retirees must meet the full retirement age (FRA) criteria or claim reduced benefits starting at age 62.
- Disability beneficiaries must meet Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) standards.
- Work Credit Requirements:
- Recipients must have earned enough credits through their work history to qualify. A minimum of 40 credits (approximately 10 years of work) is typically required for retirement benefits.
- Citizenship or Legal Residency:
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
- Disability and SSI Eligibility:
- Applicants for SSDI must demonstrate a qualifying medical condition.
- SSI applicants must meet specific income and resource limits.
Social Security Benefit Payment Dates in 2025
For most recipients, Social Security payments are made on Wednesdays, determined by the beneficiary’s birth date. Here is the specific schedule for 2025:
Birth Date Range | Payment Date (2025) |
1st–10th | 2nd Wednesday of the month |
11th–20th | 3rd Wednesday of the month |
21st–31st | 4th Wednesday of the month |
Example:
- If your birth date is January 5, your payment will arrive on the 2nd Wednesday of January 2025.
- If your birth date is January 15, your payment will arrive on the 3rd Wednesday of January 2025.
Social Security Payment Schedule in 2025
Below is the Social Security Benefit Payment Schedule for 2025, based on birth dates and corresponding months:
Birth Date Range | January | February | March |
1st – 10th | Wednesday, January 8 | Wednesday, February 12 | Wednesday, March 12 |
11th – 20th | Wednesday, January 15 | Wednesday, February 19 | Wednesday, March 19 |
21st – 31st | Wednesday, January 22 | Wednesday, February 26 | Wednesday, March 26 |
Birth Date Range | April | May | June |
1st – 10th | Wednesday, April 9 | Wednesday, May 14 | Wednesday, June 11 |
11th – 20th | Wednesday, April 16 | Wednesday, May 21 | Wednesday, June 18 |
21st – 31st | Wednesday, April 23 | Wednesday, May 28 | Wednesday, June 25 |
Birth Date Range | July | August | September |
1st – 10th | Wednesday, July 9 | Wednesday, August 13 | Wednesday, September 10 |
11th – 20th | Wednesday, July 16 | Wednesday, August 20 | Wednesday, September 17 |
21st – 31st | Wednesday, July 23 | Wednesday, August 27 | Wednesday, September 24 |
Birth Date Range | October | November | December |
1st – 10th | Wednesday, October 8 | Wednesday, November 12 | Wednesday, December 10 |
11th – 20th | Wednesday, October 15 | Wednesday, November 19 | Wednesday, December 17 |
21st – 31st | Wednesday, October 22 | Wednesday, November 26 | Wednesday, December 24 |
FAQs
When will the first Social Security payment of 2025 arrive?
The first Social Security payment will begin arriving in January 2025 based on the payment schedule. For those receiving both Social Security and SSI, SSI payments will be disbursed on January 1, and Social Security on January 3.
What is the COLA increase for 2025?
The COLA increase for 2025 is 2.5%, which adjusts Social Security payments to account for inflation.
What if my payment date falls on a holiday or weekend?
If your payment date coincides with a federal holiday or weekend, the payment will be deposited on the business day before the holiday or weekend.
Who qualifies for Social Security benefits?
Individuals who have earned the necessary work credits, are of retirement age, or meet disability requirements are eligible for Social Security benefits. SSI eligibility is based on income and resource limits.
How can I check my Social Security payment schedule?
You can check your payment schedule by logging into your My Social Security account at www.ssa.gov.