We are already halfway through the month, and we are approaching a new round of Social Security payments. Two payments have already been distributed, the first on March 3, for those beneficiaries who received their payments since before May 1997 and for those who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI): for the latter group, the SSi payment was sent early on February 28 because March 1 was a Saturday.
Additional Social Security payments in March 2025 will be distributed on March 19 and 26, depending on date of birth and start of benefits. In 2025, maximum Social Security benefits will reach $5,108 per month for those who retire at age 70, while those who retire at age 67 will receive up to $4,018. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) is already reflected in March payments.
Social Security schedule segmented by dates of birth
Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of the month will receive their payment on March 19. Those with dates from the 21st to the 31st will do so on the 26th of the same month. As we previously state, those who started their benefits before May 1997 maintain the traditional calendar, with payments on the 3rd of each month.
An unexpected factor that influences the amounts is the time at which benefits began to be received. Those who delayed their retirement until age 70 get up to 27% more than those who retired at age 67. This system seeks to compensate for the wait through deferred retirement credits, according to SSA regulations.
To qualify for the maximum benefit of $5,108, workers must have contributed for at least 35 years with income equivalent to the taxable ceiling, which in 2025 will be $176,100 annually. Those who do not meet these requirements will receive proportional amounts depending on their work history and the age at which they decide to retire.
How to receive your Social Security payment faster than others
Direct deposits are the primary and most trustable method, but those receiving physical checks should allow up to three business days of delay before reporting issues. In March 2025, the 19th and 26th payment dates fall on a Wednesday, without interference from federal holidays, according to the official calendar.
That is why direct payment is faster, because it is made electronically and delays are practically non-existent (except for very isolated exceptions that may occur incidentally, due to some problem at the beneficiary’s banking institution).
Some beneficiaries will receive more money due to a legislative change
The Social Security Fairness Act, passed in 2023, phases out public pension reductions (WEP/GPO). Although its effects on payments will begin in April 2025, it will not alter the March amounts. This reform will mainly benefit public employees and educators.
More than 3.2 million people are affected by WEP and GPO, but only 1.12 million of Americans have received retroactive payments of $3.2 billion so far. This suggests that the average could change with more payments. Analysts suggest an average increase of approximately $360 per month, while others speak of up to $1,000, so the range of predictions is wide and may be a bit hasty or risky.