2025 Social Security Payments: Dates, Eligibility & Benefit Increases
Social Security Payments: February 2025 Schedule and Benefit Updates
Social Security payments are being sent out this week for beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month. Those eligible can expect their monthly payment on Wednesday, February 12.
To qualify for Social Security benefits, you must be at least 62 years old and have worked while paying Social Security taxes for at least 10 years.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount you receive depends on your lifetime earnings and the number of years you’ve contributed to the system. In 2025, the average retirement benefit will increase by $49 per month, rising from $1,927 to $1,976 due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment helps retirees maintain their purchasing power amid inflation.
February 2025 Social Security Payment Details
- The maximum monthly payment for retirees who claim benefits at full retirement age (67) is $4,018.
- If you claim benefits at the earliest eligible age of 62, the maximum amount is $2,831.
- Delaying retirement until age 70 can significantly boost your benefits, with a maximum payout of $5,108 per month.
Former Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley stated,
"Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase in 2025, helping tens of millions of people keep up with expenses even as inflation has started to cool."
However, independent analyst Mary Johnson noted that the 2.5% COLA for 2025 will be the lowest since 2021, while prices for essentials like housing, food, and auto insurance continue to rise.
Upcoming Social Security Payment Dates
- Wednesday, February 12 (for those born 1st-10th)
- Wednesday, February 19 (for those born 11th-20th)
- Wednesday, February 26 (for those born 21st-31st)
If your payment doesn’t arrive on time, the SSA recommends waiting three business days before contacting them. Weekends and federal holidays are not counted as business days.