If you’re on Social Security and wondering when your next check is coming—or how much you might get—you’re not alone. Many retirees will be receiving their monthly benefits in the next couple of weeks, with some eligible to receive as much as $5,108 this July.
Who Gets Paid and When in July?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues payments based on your birth date. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Born between the 1st–10th ➝ Paid on Wednesday, July 9
- Born between the 11th–20th ➝ Paid on Wednesday, July 16
- Born between the 21st–31st ➝ Paid on Wednesday, July 23
So, depending on when you were born, your check may have already arrived—or it’s just days away.
What If You’ve Been Receiving Benefits Since Before 1997?
There are a few exceptions to the birthday-based schedule.
If you:
- Started receiving Social Security before May 1997, or
- Get both Social Security and SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Your payments come earlier each month:
- SSI is deposited on the 1st of each month
- Social Security follows on the 3rd of the month
How Much Will You Receive?
Here’s why this matters: The maximum possible Social Security benefit in 2025 is $5,108 per month—but very few people actually qualify for that amount.
Average Benefit in 2025:
According to SSA data from May 2025, the average monthly benefit for retired workers is $2,002.39.
Why Benefits Vary:
Social Security isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your benefit depends on:
- How long you worked
- How much you earned
- When you decide to retire
Here’s a quick look at the maximum monthly amounts based on retirement age:
| Retirement Age | Max Monthly Benefit (2025) |
|---|---|
| Age 62 | $2,831 |
| Age 67 (Full) | $4,018 |
| Age 70 (Delayed) | $5,108 |
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025
In October last year, the SSA announced a 2.5% COLA increase for 2025. That means:
- Most beneficiaries saw about a $50 boost in their monthly check
- This was the smallest increase since 2020, but still in line with the long-term average
How is COLA calculated?
The adjustment is based on:
- CPI-W data (Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers)
- It uses July–September inflation data from the previous year
- The percentage difference compared to the prior year sets the new COLA rate
Want to Double-Check Your Payment Date?
You can view the full 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule on the official SSA website.
Or use your My Social Security account to:
- Check upcoming payment dates
- View your personal payment history
- Update direct deposit information
Final Thought
Social Security benefits are a lifeline for millions of retirees—and knowing when and how much you’ll receive helps you plan your month with confidence. If you haven’t received your check yet, check your birthday window or log in to your SSA account.
