Social Security retirement and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are distributed on specific dates. For March 2025, the SSI payment for March 1 would be brought forward to Friday, February 28, 2025, since March 1 falls on a Saturday. This is a payment that concerns millions of American retirees, because many of them require the financial reinforcement provided by these payments, which can be added to the Social Security retirement benefits.
On the other hand, regular retirement payments are scheduled based on the beneficiary’s date of birth: those born between the 1st and 10th of the month received their payment on March 12, a date that has already passed. Later, those born between the 11th and the 20th, on March 19; and those with birth dates between 21 and 31, March 26.
If a beneficiary reports “two payments,” this could be due to a mix-up between the SSI payment (already made in February) and the three March retirement payments.
Maximum and average Social Security payments: How much will they be in March?
Benefits are updated each year through the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). By 2025, an increase of 2.6% is expected, according to estimates by The Senior Citizens League. This implies that, under certain specific conditions (more details below), the maximum retirement amount could be approximately $5,108 per month.
Generally speaking, the average retirement benefit will be between $1,950 and $2,100 per month. For their part, the spouses will receive between $900 and $1,200, depending on the amount corresponding to the holder. In the case of SSI, it is estimated that the maximum individual benefit is around $1,250 per month, adjusted for inflation.
To reach the maximum profit of $5,108 in March 2025, three fundamental requirements must be met:
- Income history: The recipient must have earned income equal to or greater than the SSA taxable salary cap for at least 35 years. By 2024, this limit is $168,600, and in 2025 it is projected to increase to a range between $174,000 and $177,000, in line with the growth of average salaries.
- Delay retirement: Although the full retirement age is 67 for those born in 1960 or later, postponing retirement until age 70 allows the benefit to increase. With this delay, an annual cap close to $822,320 can be reached (based on the 2024 limit). However, if it is delayed beyond what was expected, the SSA will apply a temporary reduction in the benefit, decreasing it by 1% for each additional two months.
- Do not request the benefit in advance: It is essential to wait for the right moment to avoid penalties that could reduce the final retirement amount.
If your payment date has already passed this month and the money hasn’t appeared in your bank account, don’t panic: there are actions you can take. It is recommended that you check your account status at ssa.gov/myaccount, where SSA posts real-time updates.
If the problem persists, directly contact with the SSA via phone 1-800-772-1213 or a visit to a local office is crucial. Additionally, it is important to review email or postal mail, as the SSA provides written notification of any pending changes or requirements.
