Did you know that in February, there are three key dates to receive your Social Security payment? Yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has already confirmed the deposits, so get ready to see that little money hit your account. And be blow-by-blow, some could receive up to $5,108 if they meet the requirements. Would you like to know if you are one of the lucky ones? Keep reading, I’ll tell you everything in this complete article.
The SSA handles retirement, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and disability (SSDI) benefit payments for both living beneficiaries and surviving family members of deceased beneficiaries. They are held in stages every month, each group with its own particular date.
When are the payment of Social Security retirements due?
Payments are scheduled for Wednesdays, February 12, 19, and 26, and the date you get depends on your birthday. Here’s the breakdown:
- If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of any month, your payment will arrive on February 12.
- If your birthday is between the 11th and the 20th, it’s February 19.
- If you turn between the 21st and the 31st, your money will arrive on February 26.
Beneficiaries of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program also have their dates defined, although this month they come with changes. Normally, they are paid on the first day of each month, but since February 1 fell on a Saturday, they were paid in advance to January 31.
So don’t panic if you don’t see a deposit in February, because they actually already gave it to you. And be careful, the same thing will happen in March: since the 1st falls on a Saturday, the payment will be brought forward to February 28. So the next payment after that will only be on April 1.
How to get the most out of Social Security?
Here comes the interesting part, since we have to explain that not everyone receives the maximum payment of $5,108, but if you want to aspire to that figure, there are some tricks you should know.
Delay your retirement until age 70: If you retire before your Full Retirement Age (FRA), your payment will be less. But if you last until you’re 70, you’ll maximize your retirement a little more than if you retire earlier. This is the first of the steps to follow.
Have a high, consistent salary: The SSA calculates your pay based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you earned close to the taxable limit (which in 2025 will be about $168,600 a year), you have a better chance of reaching the maximum amount.
Accumulate 40 work credits: This is equivalent to 10 years of formal work. Without that, you don’t even qualify for benefits. But if you want the maximum, you need a longer career with a good income.
So, if you are thinking about retiring soon, think twice. Delaying it a little could mean a much bigger payout. And believe me, the difference between retiring before 70 and after is quite noticeable.
