The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that only two groups of beneficiaries will receive additional payments in the month of January, while the rest have already received all scheduled deposits. This detail is due to the way benefits are distributed, both for retirees and for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.
For retirees (who share payment dates with SSDI disability beneficiaries) there are three regular monthly payments: they are made on the second, third, and fourth Wednesday of each month, and are repeated periodically invariably, except when those days fall on a holiday (in this case it is brought forward to the nearest business day).
Who is still waiting for Social Security payments in January?
The SSA payment system organizes transfers based on the recipients’ dates of birth. In January, deposits were made on the following dates:
- January 8: Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- January 15: Those born between the 11th and the 20th.
- January 22: Beneficiaries born between 21 and 31.
After these three payments, all retirees who depend on Social Security have received their money for January. However, two groups are still on the list to receive funds this month, which are those on January 22, and then on January 31 those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
Requirements to obtain the maximum payment of $5,108 from Social Security
In 2025, the maximum monthly Social Security payment amounts up to $5,108, a figure reserved exclusively for those who meet a few specific conditions throughout their working lives. These are conditions that, although few, are strict and define your financial future when you retire.
This amount is not available to all beneficiaries as it is based on factors such as annual income, years of work, and the age at which you choose to begin receiving benefits. Generally, those who manage to access the maximum payment are people with well-paying careers, such as professionals, entrepreneurs, or employees in high-income industries.
One of the main criteria is having reached the maximum income limit subject to Social Security taxes for at least 35 years. In 2025, this cap is $168,600. Individuals who achieve this level of contribution each year secure the highest level of benefits possible.
In addition, it is essential to have worked for a minimum of 35 years. The formula that calculates the average benefits takes into account the 35 years with the highest income. If someone has worked less time, the missing years are counted as $0 earnings, which reduces the monthly average.
Another crucial requirement is to delay the retirement age until 70 years of age. Although the full retirement age ranges from 66 to 67, waiting until age 70 increases the benefit by 8% for each additional year. This increase can make a big difference in the final amount.
Please note that in some states, certain levels of retirement or Social Security income may be subject to tax, according to local laws or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It’s always a good idea to consult a financial advisor or retirement expert to do the right thing while saving money.
