The United States Social Security Administration distributes monthly payments on a schedule based on the beneficiary’s date of birth and enrollment history.
Those who began after May 1997 receive payments on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month. Those who registered before that date will receive payments on the third of each month.
This system aims to reduce congestion and ensure efficient distribution. In March 2025, Wednesdays are the 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. Only the second Wednesday (March 12) falls in the second week of the month (10th-16th).
Definition of beneficiary groups
The beneficiaries are divided into three groups according to their date of birth:
- Group 1 (birthdates 1-10 of any month): payment on the second Wednesday (March 12).
- Group 2 (birthdate 11-20 of any month): payment on the third Wednesday (March 19).
- Group 3 (birthdate 21-31of any month): payment on the fourth Wednesday (March 26).
Those who received benefits before May 1997 have a fixed date: March 3. According to Social Security Administration (SSA) data, this group has not been classified as of Wednesday.
So, just one group is set to get their payment
The second week of March 2025 will last from the 10th to the 16th. Only Group 1 receives payment during that time (March 12). Groups 2 and 3 receive funds during the third and fourth weeks, respectively. The fifth week (March 31) does not apply to regular payments.
The calendar shows no changes due to holidays or regulations. Although the COLA 2025 increases amounts by 2.5%, the dates are unchanged. The schedule is also not affected by the Social Security Fairness Act.
Those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or have their Medicare premiums covered by the state may have additional dates, but they do not affect the standard calendar.
The SSA recommends checking your assigned pool and planning expenses around confirmed dates. Those expecting payments on March 19 or 26 should anticipate 1-3 day delays for electronic or bank payment methods.
To maintain eligibility, no additional action is required beyond updating contact information or bank accounts. The institution remembers that the amounts include COLA 2025, which is automatically reflected in deposits.
The maximum Social Security benefit is set at $5,1018 for beneficiaries who have paid taxes on high salaries for at least 35 years of employment. The average is $1,976 in the first month of 2025.
What to do if your money does not arrive on time
If your Social Security Administration (SSA) payments do not arrive on the estimated date, check that you have the correct date noted and, if so, contact your bank to ensure that there is no error in your bank account. Sometimes the delay is due to an internal processing issue.
If the delay does not exist, contact the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also go to your local SSA office, but we recommend calling ahead to make an appointment.
If an in-person visit is not possible, you can access your “My Social Security” account on the official SSA website, which contains a wealth of information about your benefits.
If your payment is too late (the SSA recommends waiting at least three days after the estimated date), you may be entitled to a replacement payment. To request it, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.
