If you’re expecting a Social Security payment soon, there’s good news—your check may be landing in your account in just six days. Depending on your benefit category, you could be receiving $1,978 if you’re retired or $1,580 if you’re a disabled worker. And with recent legislative updates, many beneficiaries might see a bump in their monthly benefits. Let’s break down what’s happening, when your payment is arriving, and how to make sure everything’s on track.
Amounts
Social Security benefits aren’t one-size-fits-all. The amount you receive depends on your work history, earnings, and the type of benefit you’re receiving. Here’s what’s on the table:
- Retired workers: $1,978 on average per month
- Disabled workers: $1,580 on average per month
Keep in mind, these are average payments. Yours could be higher or lower depending on when you started collecting benefits and your earnings history. For example, if you delayed benefits past full retirement age, you could see higher monthly checks.
Dates
Wondering when your money hits your account? The SSA organizes payments based on your birthdate:
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th | March 12, 2025 |
| 11th–20th | March 19, 2025 |
| 21st–31st | March 26, 2025 |
| SSI or before May 1997 | March 1, 2025 |
If you’re in the first group (born 1st–10th), your money is just around the corner. Planning ahead with these dates helps you avoid overdrafts or budgeting issues.
Retirees
If you’re retired, your monthly Social Security check averages $1,978 in 2025. But how is that calculated? It all boils down to:
- Your 35 highest-earning years
- When you choose to start claiming
- Annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs)
Claiming benefits at full retirement age (67 for those born after 1960) gets you closer to the full amount. If you started early, your payments are reduced. Delay beyond your FRA, and your check could be even bigger thanks to delayed retirement credits.
Disabled
If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your average monthly benefit is $1,580. SSDI isn’t based on your income, but rather your work credits—earned by paying into Social Security through payroll taxes.
- You must have worked long enough and recently enough
- There’s a 5-month waiting period after approval
- After two years, you become eligible for Medicare
If you haven’t worked long enough for SSDI, you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which has different rules and usually lower payments.
Survivors
Survivors and spouses also have access to Social Security benefits:
- Widows and widowers can receive up to 100% of the deceased worker’s benefit
- Spouses may get 50% of their partner’s full benefit
- Survivor benefits kick in as early as age 60 (or earlier with children under 16)
These benefits help families maintain financial stability after the loss of a loved one.
Status
Want to make sure your payment is on the way? Here’s how you can double-check:
- Online through SSA.gov
- Log in to your My Social Security account
- Click on “Benefits & Payment Details”
- View your payment date and amount
- By phone
- Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- Be ready with your SSN and verification details
- Via your bank
- If you’re set up for direct deposit, just check your online bank account or mobile app
- You can even set alerts to notify you when your payment arrives
Changes
A major shake-up to Social Security went into effect on January 5, 2025, and it’s boosting payments for millions. The Social Security Fairness Act repealed two controversial rules:
- WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) reduced benefits for people with government pensions
- GPO (Government Pension Offset) cut down spousal or survivor benefits if you had a government pension
Here’s what the changes mean:
- 3.2 million Americans will see increases
- Some will receive retroactive payments
- Higher monthly checks start in April 2025
This is great news if you’ve been affected by WEP or GPO in the past. It means more money in your pocket and more accurate benefits for your unique work history.
With Social Security payments just days away, make sure your account details are up to date and know exactly when to expect your deposit. These changes and benefit amounts can make a real difference in your monthly budget, so stay informed and proactive.
FAQs
Who gets the $1,978 payment?
Retired workers receiving Social Security in 2025.
When is the next Social Security payment?
March 12, 2025, for those born 1st–10th.
How can I check my payment status?
Log into SSA.gov, call SSA, or check your bank account.
What is the Social Security Fairness Act?
It eliminates WEP and GPO to increase benefits.
Are SSDI recipients getting $1,580?
Yes, that’s the average monthly SSDI benefit in 2025.
