Monthly Social Security payments in the United States are distributed on a schedule determined by the beneficiary’s date of birth and the type of benefit. Those who started receiving payments after May 1997 receive their funds on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month.
Those who started before that date are paid on the third of each month (this last group has had their money since the beginning of the month).
For March 19, 2025, which is the third Wednesday of the month, it applies to beneficiaries whose primary worker was born between the 11th and 20th of any month. This category includes retirees, disabled people, survivors, and dependent family members listed on the worker’s record with the specified date of birth.
Some receive up to $5,108 from Social Security
The payment date is solely determined by the birthday of the primary worker, not the secondary beneficiary. The deposit is received on the same day by all recipients associated with that record, whether they are spouses, children, or survivors. This system aims to avoid congestion while ensuring transaction fluidity.
Official data show that the maximum benefit in 2025 will be $5,108 per month. This amount is applicable to those who have accumulated 35 years of income subject to the taxable maximum — $176,100 in 2025 — and have waited until age 70 to apply for benefits to take advantage of the 8% annual delay adjustment.
The average payment for all beneficiaries in January 2025 was $1,837.91, according to the Social Security Administration’s monthly report. Retirees received an average of $1,978.77, whereas disability beneficiaries received $1,580.67. Survivors averaged $1,546.57, while retiree spouses averaged $931.28.
Retirement benefits require at least ten years of contributions (40 credits) and a minimum age of sixty-two. The amounts are calculated using the indexed average earnings (AIME) for the 35 years with the highest incomes. Claiming before the full retirement age lowers the monthly payment.
Disability benefits require medically verified work incapacity and recent contributions to the system. Survivors — widows, children, or dependent parents — are compensated based on the deceased’s history, adjusted for age and relationship. Formulas are specific to each category.
Table of average benefits by type, according to SSA data
Generalized average: $1,837.91
Retirement and Survivors: $1,892.73
- Retirement Benefits: $1,929.20
- Retired Workers: $1,978.77
- Spouses of Retirees: $931.28
- Children of Retirees: $919.02
- Survivor Benefits: $1,546.57
- Children of Deceased Workers: $1,135.54
- Widows and Widowers (non-disabled): $1,835.82
- Widows and Disabled Widowers: $951.26
- Parents of Deceased Workers: $1,684.81
Disability Insurance: $1,439.53
- Disabled Workers: $1,580.67
- Spouses of Disabled People: $431.53
- Children of the Disabled: $510.02
Please keep in mind that this is only averaged and generalized data and is provided solely for informational purposes. If you are a beneficiary, the amount you receive will undoubtedly vary because each case is unique.
