New higher Social Security payment goes out today and Americans have two other chances to score $5,108
Throughout 2025, millions of Americans will see an increase in their Social Security benefits.
As the first wave of January checks are distributed today, the increased payouts, which can total up to $5,108, begin.
In 1935, President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, creating Social Security, a financial safety net for millions of Americans.
The social insurance program offers financial assistance to retirees, families with a deceased spouse or parent, and Americans with disabilities.
The Social Security Administration started making automatic yearly cost-of-living adjustments in 1975.
The clause, also referred to as COLA, raises general benefits in accordance with the cost of living, which is determined by the Consumer Price Index.
Read More on Social Security
Grandparents in ‘panic’ after income ‘ripped’ away due to overpayment bill
Social Security Admin warns about payment delays as it faces ‘funding freeze’
On October 10, the administration announced a 2.5% COLA for 2025, and today is the first day that the higher Social Security checks will be sent.
Starting this month, the average monthly Social Security retirement payout climbed by $50 to $1,976 due to the COLA, up from $1,927 the previous year.
The maximum monthly compensation for Americans who retire at age 70 this year is $5,108, up from $4,873 the previous year.
With a maximum payment of $4,018 in 2025, those who decide to retire at their full retirement age, or FRA, get even less.
Because of the COLA, this amount is more than the $3,822 monthly payment from the previous year.
The FRA is determined by your birth year:
- 1943 1954: age 66
-
1955 1959: age 66 and a certain number of months, increasing by two months each year:
- 1955: 66 and 2 months
- 1956: 66 and 4 months
- 1957: 66 and 6 months
- 1958: 66 and 8 months
- 1959: 66 and 10 months
- 1960 or later: age 67
- 1955: 66 and 2 months
- 1956: 66 and 4 months
- 1957: 66 and 6 months
- 1958: 66 and 8 months
- 1959: 66 and 10 months
The maximum monthly Social Security payout for Americans who retire at age 62 this year is $2,831, which is an increase from $2,710 in 2024.
BIRTHDAY CHECKS
As the first set of January checks are distributed today, the increased Social Security payment amounts will take effect.
Depending on the recipients’ birthdays, benefits are paid out three times a month.
The second Wednesday of the month is when people born on the first through the tenth get paid.
Social Security benefits are paid on the third Wednesday of the month to anyone whose birthdays fall between the eleventh and the twentieth.
On the fourth Wednesday of every month, the final batch of checks is distributed to individuals whose birthdays fall between the 21st and the 31st.
Social Security benefits will be disbursed today, January 8, as well as on January 15 and 22 of this month.
2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
The second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of every month are when Social Security benefits are distributed. Benefits will be disbursed on the following dates in 2025:
- January 8, 15, and 22
- February 12, 19, and 26
- March 12, 19, and 26
- April 9, 16, and 23
- May 14, 21, and 28
- June 11, 18, and 25
- July 9, 16, and 23
- August 13, 20, and 27
- September 10, 17, and 24
- October 8, 15, and 22
- November 12, 19, and 26
- December 10, 17, and 24
Shalae Morgan, a Social Security specialist, was previously interviewed by the U.S. Sun.
Read More on The US Sun
How Nicole Kidman’s new movie shows what no Hollywood film has done before
Archie & Lilibet sing we love you in tribute to Meghan’s pet beagle Guy
The expert revealed two typical errors that can cost you thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits each month.
Morgan also described how you could earn an additional $26,000 a year if you postponed your benefits.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!