Millions of retirees across the U.S. rely on Social Security benefits as a primary source of income. The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes payments each month, but not all recipients receive their checks on the same day. Instead, payment dates depend on birth dates and other eligibility factors.
This week, a new round of Social Security payments will be sent out—find out if you’re one of the beneficiaries.
Who Gets Paid This Week?
The SSA is set to distribute Social Security payments on Wednesday, March 19. This round of payments applies to retirees whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th of any given month.
However, not all Social Security recipients follow this payment schedule. Those who receive payments under different rules include:
- Beneficiaries who have been receiving Social Security since before May 1997 (their payments were made earlier this month).
- Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which follows a different payout schedule.
If you belong to either of these groups, you will not receive a payment on March 19.
How Much Social Security Will You Receive?
Your Social Security benefit amount depends on multiple factors, including:
- Your lifetime earnings
- The age you begin claiming benefits
- Annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
In January 2025, Social Security benefits saw a 2.5% COLA increase, boosting payments for retirees to help them keep pace with inflation.
Here’s how the maximum Social Security benefit breaks down in 2025:
| Retirement Age | Maximum Monthly Benefit (2025) |
|---|---|
| Age 62 | $2,831 |
| Full Retirement Age (67) | $4,018 |
| Age 70 | $5,108 |
The average Social Security retirement check issued in January 2025 was $1,976.
What If You Don’t Receive Your Payment?
If your Social Security payment does not arrive on the expected date, the SSA advises waiting three business days before contacting them. Weekends and public holidays do not count as business days.
For missing payments, retirees can:
- Check their bank account for direct deposit transactions.
- Log in to their My Social Security account (ssa.gov) to verify payment status.
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if their payment is still missing after three business days.
What’s Next for Social Security in 2026?
Looking ahead, Social Security benefits are expected to increase again in 2026 due to COLA adjustments. However, early forecasts suggest a smaller increase than in previous years.
The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) and independent analyst Mary Johnson predict that the COLA increase for 2026 will be around 2.2%, down from 2.5% in 2025.
The official COLA announcement will be made in October 2025, but if inflation remains moderate, retirees may see smaller benefit increases compared to previous years.
FAQs
1. Who will receive Social Security payments on March 19?
Retirees whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th of any month will receive their March Social Security payment on March 19, 2025.
2. How can I check my Social Security payment status?
You can check your payment history and status by logging into your My Social Security account at ssa.gov.
3. What should I do if I don’t receive my payment?
If your payment doesn’t arrive as expected, wait three business days before contacting the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
4. How much will Social Security benefits increase in 2026?
Early projections estimate a 2.2% increase in 2026, slightly lower than the 2.5% increase in 2025. The final COLA adjustment will be announced in October 2025.
5. What is the maximum Social Security benefit in 2025?
The maximum monthly benefit for 2025 depends on retirement age:
$2,831 at age 62
$4,018 at full retirement age (67)
$5,108 at age 70
