In February, millions of Americans will receive their Social Security payments on three different dates, depending on their day of birth. If you were born between the 1st and the 10th, you will get paid on the second Wednesday (February 12); between the 11th and the 20th, the third Wednesday (February 19); and between the 21st and 31st, the fourth Wednesday (February 26). This system ensures that funds reach all beneficiaries in an organized manner.
On the other hand, those who receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) will see an advance on their March payment. As March 1st falls on a weekend, payment will be made on Friday, February 28. This adjustment prevents beneficiaries from having to wait until Monday, ensuring they have their funds on time.
What’s the maximum Social Security check and who can get it
To receive the maximum Social Security payment in 2025, which is $5,108 per month, you must have been a high-income taxpayer throughout your working life. This means having earned the maximum Social Security taxable wage, which in 2025 is $168,600 annually, for at least 35 years.
Additionally, to qualify for this maximum amount, beneficiaries must delay their retirement until age 70, the age at which the full benefit is obtained. Only those who meet these requirements can apply for this payment.
The average and the maximum are different amounts
In contrast, the average retirement benefit in January 2025 is $1,976.30, a significantly lower figure. Most beneficiaries do not reach the maximum because they have not had such high incomes or have not worked the required 35 years. Many people also choose to retire before age 70, which reduces their monthly benefit.
Therefore, the maximum payment is reserved for a small group of taxpayers with high-income careers and careful retirement planning that takes many years. For households receiving Supplemental Security Income, the SSA maximum for 2025 is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for cohabiting couples. For an essential support person payment, the maximum is $484 per month.
Both these payments and retirement benefits, and other benefits administered by the SSA, such as disability benefits (SSDI), were increased by 2.5% after the cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 2025.
These amounts will be in effect until December inclusive: it will be in September when the payments are updated depending on the inflation that accumulates since September 2024. It also remains to be seen if the administration of President Donald Trump makes any changes or movements in the funds for programs such as the of Social Security.