In March 2025, Social Security beneficiaries in the United States will receive their monthly payments according to the schedule established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These payments are distributed based on the date of birth of each beneficiary, with the aim of guaranteeing an uninterrupted process.
Those who began receiving benefits before May 1997 or who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) received their payment on Monday, March 3. For the rest, the first group, made up of those born between the 1st and 10th of any month, will receive their payment on Wednesday, March 12. The second group, with dates of birth between the 11th and the 20th, will do so on Wednesday, March 19. Finally, those born between the 21st and the 31st will receive their payment on Wednesday, March 26.
The maximum Social Security benefit grew in 2025
For 2025, the maximum Social Security benefit has been set at $5,108 per month. However, reaching this amount requires having worked at least 35 years with annual earnings at or above the Social Security tax limit, which for 2025 is $176,100. Additionally, delaying retirement until age 70 increases the monthly benefit.
Those who retire at age 62 can receive up to $2,831, while those who wait until age 67 can get up to $4,043. The cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 is 2.5%, which allows the purchasing power of beneficiaries to be maintained in the face of inflation. Retirees are advised to update their banking information and be alert for possible fraud.
How to access the maximum Social Security in 2025?
To qualify for the maximum Social Security benefit in 2025, which will be $5,108 per month, you must meet two fundamental requirements. First, for at least 35 years of your working life, your annual income must have met or exceeded the maximum taxable limit established by law for contributions to the system.
In 2025, this limit increased to $176,100 per year, up from $168,600 in 2024. Only those who have consistently contributed at the maximum level for 35 years and delay their retirement until age 70 can access the highest payment.
But it’s not just about earning well for decades. The second factor is the timing of retirement: to maximize the amount, it is recommended to postpone applying for benefits until you are 70 years old or older. This allows accumulated contributions to continue growing with adjustments for voluntary delay.
It is worth mentioning that this limit of maximum earnings that are taken into account for contributions is not fixed. Every year it is updated according to the average increase in salaries in the country. Therefore, if you aspire to the full benefit, it is crucial that your income not only reaches that updated threshold, but that you maintain it consistently throughout your professional career. The key? Plan your career and contributions with a long-term vision.
