If you are waiting for your Social Security deposit, this is the key week. It turns out that the payments are being distributed according to each person’s date of birth. For example, if you have a birthday between the 11th and the 20th of any month, your payment will arrive this Wednesday, February 19. Of course, if you have been collecting since before May 1997, your payment will have already arrived at the beginning of the month.
Not everyone receives the maximum amount, but if you delay your retirement until age 70, you could take home up to $5,108 a month. Of course, that depends on your income throughout your life. Most retirees receive an average of $1,876.95, so don’t get your hopes up too high.
How are these Social Security payments calculated?
It all depends on several factors, such as the age at which you start contributing and your income during your working life. For example, if you retire at age 67 (full retirement age), the maximum you could receive is $4,018. But if you hurry up and retire at 62, that amount drops to $2,831.
Additionally, since 2025, benefits have increased by 2.5% thanks to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which attempts to compensate for inflation. Although it is not the highest increase in recent years, it is still a respite for millions of people.
Why was the increase so low this year?
Mary Johnson, an analyst specializing in Social Security and Medicare, said that although the 2025 COLA is the lowest since 2021, it is still a relief from high prices for things like housing, food and insurance.
For his part, Martin O’Malley, former commissioner of Social Security, highlighted that this increase will help millions cover their basic expenses.
The prices of products and services increased less than in other years such as 2023 and 2024, when the COLA adjustments were 8.7% and 3.2%, which means that inflation cooled in the last year of Joe Biden. But it remains to be seen whether Social Security benefits will have to increase more sharply after the first year of Donald Trump’s second term.
What happens if my Social Security payment did not arrive on time?
You can call 1-800-772-1213 (hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.). If you prefer to avoid calls, you can also visit their official website (ssa.gov) to send a message or access your personal account and check the status of your payment. You can resolve many doubts right there without having to talk to someone.
Another option is to visit a local SSA office, but I recommend scheduling an appointment ahead of time to avoid long lines. Don’t be left wondering, because they are there to help you.
