More than 70 million Americans rely on the Social Security Administration (SSA) for monthly benefits and welfare support. Because of the sheer number of recipients, not everyone receives their payments on the same day. Most Social Security beneficiaries receive their checks according to their birth date, while some follow a different schedule depending on when they first started collecting benefits or if they also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Those who began collecting retirement, survivor, or spousal benefits before May 1997—or who receive SSI in addition to retirement benefits—have a separate payment timeline. SSI is a federal program that provides monthly financial aid to adults and children with disabilities or blindness, and to people aged 65 or older who meet certain income and resource limits.
July 2025 Social Security Payment Dates
This July, payments will be distributed on the following dates:
- Tuesday, July 1 – SSI recipients will receive their monthly payments
- Thursday, July 3 – Those who began receiving retirement benefits before May 1997, and individuals collecting both SSI and retirement benefits, will be paid
- Wednesday, July 9 – Payments will go to those born between the 1st and 10th of any month
- Wednesday, July 16 – Benefits will be sent to those born between the 11th and 20th
- Wednesday, July 23 – Payments will be made to recipients with birthdays between the 21st and 31st
Average Monthly Social Security Payments
As of May 2025, the average benefit for retired workers was $2,002.39—a record high, crossing the $2,000 mark for the first time. For the 7.4 million SSI recipients, the average payment was $718.30.
The SSA notes that the average benefit amount adjusts monthly, primarily due to new retirees having higher average earnings. Social Security benefits are calculated based on the top 35 years of a worker’s earnings, adjusted for inflation. As wages rise over time, so do benefit amounts for newer retirees.
Maximum Social Security Benefits in 2025
The amount you receive varies significantly based on when you choose to start collecting benefits. In 2025, the highest possible monthly benefit is $4,018 if you retire at the full retirement age of 67. If you claim benefits early at age 62, the maximum drops to $2,831. Delaying benefits until age 70 increases the maximum monthly payment to $5,108.
Upcoming Changes to Social Security Payment Methods
Nearly half a million Social Security recipients still receive their benefits by paper check. However, this is set to change soon. A March executive order from President Donald Trump titled “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account” mandates that all federal payments—including Social Security, SSI, SSDI, vendor payments, and tax refunds—must be issued electronically beginning after September 30, 2025.
As of this month, 493,775 payments across the U.S. and its territories are still being made by paper check, accounting for 8.7 percent of all federal benefit disbursements.
FAQs
1. How do I know which Social Security payment schedule applies to me?
Your payment date depends on when you started receiving benefits and your birth date. If you began collecting before May 1997 or receive SSI, you follow a different schedule.
2. Can I still receive my Social Security by check after September 2025?
No. Starting after September 30, 2025, all federal payments—including Social Security—must be made electronically as per a new executive order.
3. Why did my Social Security benefit amount increase this year?
Benefit amounts can increase due to annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and higher average lifetime earnings among new retirees.
4. What’s the difference between SSI and regular Social Security benefits?
SSI provides support based on financial need to disabled individuals or seniors 65+, while Social Security benefits are earned through work history and payroll taxes.
Robby is a dedicated finance blog writer with a talent for breaking down financial concepts into clear, actionable advice. He covers everything from debt management and credit tips to investing and retirement planning, helping readers make confident money decisions. Robby's goal is to educate and inspire others to build lasting financial health.