This Wednesday, February 26, 2025, marks the last payment of the month corresponding to Social Security retirements. This closes the February payment cycle, and beneficiaries must plan their finances taking into account that the next deposits will be reactivated in March, according to the usual calendar of the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Payments are made based on the date of birth, and there are three groups: the first group is for those who have their birthday between the 1st and the 10th of any month, the second for those who have their birthday between the 11th and the 20th, and the third for those who have their birthday after the 21st.
The third payment was made today, so the month of February is complete, at least for retirees (and those disabled workers who receive SSDI).
Payment schedule for March 2025
Payments will be distributed on the following Wednesdays of the month:
- Second Wednesday: March 12 (beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of the month).
- Third Wednesday: March 19 (birthdays between the 11th and 20th).
- Fourth Wednesday: March 26 (birthdays between the 21st and 31st).
Those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or who began receiving benefits before May 1997 usually receive their payments on the 1st or 3rd day of the month, regardless of their date of birth.
If your payment does not coincide with these dates, check your personalized calendar on the my Social Security platform or contact the SSA to clarify any questions. March comes with new deposits, and advance planning is key to smooth financial management.
The maximum and average retirement payment in 2025
Remember that the maximum Social Security payment is set in 2025 at $5,108, but it is only for a small percentage of beneficiaries who completed at least 35 years of work with about 20 of contributions in Social Security taxes, and who earned high salaries.
Perhaps your payment is closer to the average paid in January and February 2025, which was an estimated $1,976 for a retired worker, and $3,089 for a couple claiming together.
All of this was impacted since January by the cost of living adjustment (COLA), which was 2.5%. This annual increase is intended to help beneficiaries not lose purchasing power compared to the inflation of the previous year.
If your Social Security benefits have not been deposited as expected, first verify the scheduled payment date using your my Social Security account or the SSA’s payment calendar. Allow up to 3 business days for potential delays caused by banking processing or mailing times (for paper checks).
If the payment is still missing, contact the Social Security Administration immediately at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) to report the issue.