Monthly Social Security payments in the United States are distributed according to a schedule based on the beneficiary’s date of birth and the type of benefit.
Those who began receiving payments after May 1997 get their funds on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month. Those who started before that date receive payment on the 3rd of each (this last group, therefore, already have their money since the beginning of the month).
For March 19, 2025, being the third Wednesday of the month, it corresponds to beneficiaries whose main worker was born between the 11th and 20th of any month. This group includes retirees, disabled people, survivors, and dependent family members linked to the worker’s record with said date of birth.
Some receive up to $5,108 from Social Security
The payment date is determined exclusively by the birthday of the primary worker, not the secondary beneficiary. All recipients associated with that record—spouses, children, or survivors—receive the deposit on the same day. This system seeks to avoid congestion and guarantee fluidity in transactions.
The maximum benefit in 2025 will be $5,108 per month, according to official data. This amount applies to those who have accumulated 35 years of income subject to the taxable maximum — $176,100 in 2025 — and have delayed applying for benefits until age 70 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 SSA’s monthly report. Retirees received an average of $1,978.77, while disability beneficiaries received $1,580.67. For their part, survivors averaged $1,546.57, and spouses of retirees, $931.28.
Retirement benefits require at least 10 years of contributions (40 credits) and a minimum age of 62. The amounts are calculated using the indexed average earnings (AIME) of the 35 years with the highest incomes. Claiming before full retirement age reduces the monthly payment.
For disabled people (with SSDI benefits), requirements include medically verified work incapacity and recent contributions to the system. Survivors — widows, children or dependent parents — receive amounts based on the deceased’s history, adjusted for age and relationship. Each category has specific formulas.
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 note that this is only averaged and generalized data, and is intended for informational purposes. If you are a beneficiary, your amount may undoubtedly be different because each case is particular and unique.
