Three large Social Security payments arrive in February, and there are a few tricks you should know to maximize your benefits. I’ll tell you everything as if we were having coffee, and we’ll learn how to get the most out of the benefits available in 2025.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a top check reserved for a select few. Who are they? Those who waited till they were 70 to retire. I know it seems like an eternity, but patience pays off in this situation, literally. If you retire before your official age (also known as Full Retirement Age, or FRA), you will lose your money for good. No; “I’ll get it back later.”
Another detail: simply being a seasoned employee is insufficient. You must have earned a high and consistent salary for 35 years. We are discussing approaching the taxable limit, which will be approximately $168,600 per year by 2025. And keep in mind that you must have at least 40 work credits (that is, 10 years of paying all Social Security taxes).
Social Security dates for February 2025
After we’ve discussed the maximum benefits and the prerequisites for achieving them, we’ll look at the three impending payment dates for February. Payments are made on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of each month, and are organized according to your birthdate.
- From the 1st to the 10th of any month: you receive the check on February 12.
- From the 11th to the 20th: Your day is February 19.
- From 21 to 31: you have to wait until February 26.
Now, if you receive Supplemental Security Income benefits in addition to your retirement, the date is different.
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Although there will be no deposit in February (since it was advanced to January 31), you will get a double payment in March: the standard payment on the first of the month plus another advance payment on February 28 (because March 1st is a Saturday). Finally, retirees in March follow a similar schedule: payouts on the 12th, 19th, and 26th.
Be careful: these actions could cause you to lose your profits
The SSA does not overlook some mistakes. Take care to avoid committing the most fundamental mistakes, which could result in the suspension of your benefits.
Earning too much: If you work after retirement and exceed the income cap, you will lose a portion of your paycheck. The caps should be reviewed every year because they are not static.
Making up facts: If you lie about your age, income, or capacity to work, be prepared to repay every penny and be denied benefits. The SSA employs accounting investigators who analyze cases at random.
Improve your health: If you recuperate and the SSA deems you may return to work full-time, they may reduce your payout for SSI or SSDI. Exercise caution while dealing with medical reports.
Return to the office: If you opt to postpone your retirement in order to return to work, your payments will be halted. But don’t worry, you can revive them later (albeit recalculated).
