Nearly 73 million benefits are paid out by the Social Security Administration each month to program participants, the vast majority of whom are retired. Financial protection is also provided by the government agency to disabled individuals and survivors of workers who have passed away. The purpose of the SSA is to provide financial security to all beneficiaries from the retirement, survivor, and disability insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.
When will beneficiaries receive their Social Security paychecks this month?
Based on the recipients’ dates of birth and the benefits they receive, the organization distributes checks according to the Social Security payment schedule. Considering this monthly methodology, beneficiaries will receive their Social Security paychecks on the following days:
- On the 2nd Wednesday, or January 8th, for all recipients who qualify for the RSDI programs and whose birthdates fall between the 1st and the 10th.
- On the 3rd Wednesday, or January 15th, for all recipients who qualify for the RSDI programs and whose birthdates fall between the 11th and the 20th.
- On the 4th Wednesday, or January 22nd, for all recipients who qualify for the RSDI programs and whose birthdates fall between the 21st and the 31st.
Besides these regular payments to retirees, survivors, and disabled people, the federal agency will also deliver monthly payments to SSI recipients on January 31st, as the first of February falls on a weekend. Therefore, these beneficiaries will receive their benefits in advance to avoid issues with their finances.
Social Security beneficiaries will receive between $1,976 and $5,108 this week
According to current guidelines from the SSA, retired workers who qualify for benefits this Wednesday will receive different payment amounts between $1,976 and $5,108 per month. It is important to note that the payment amount will vary depending on each beneficiary’s circumstances, finances, and contribution requirements. For instance, those recipients who claimed benefits before reaching their full retirement age (FRA) will get around $2,831 per month, while those who waited until reaching 67 can expect to get up to $4,018. On average retirees can receive $1,976, but if they decided to wait until 70, they might be eligible to receive the maximum Social Security benefit of $5,108.
As the new cost of living adjustment for this year was confirmed last year in October, these new paychecks will already include the 2.5% COLA increase so American beneficiaries can keep pace with inflation and cover their living expenses. Considering this new annual boost, here are the main payment amounts that the other beneficiaries will receive:
- Survivor benefits: older spouse $1,832
- Survivor benefits: Widowed parent and two qualifying children $3,761
- Survivor benefits: Aged Widow(er) Alone $1,832
- SSDI benefits: beneficiaries will receive, on average, $1,580
Can beneficiaries work and receive Social Security benefits?
According to the federal agency’s guidelines, for this year, beneficiaries can work and receive Social Security benefits. Still, they will be subject to some earnings thresholds they must consider as if they surpass those values, the Social Security Administration could withhold a part of their monthly benefits. To understand more about the earnings limit for 2025, please refer to the following chart:
| If you are | You can earn up to | Benefits withheld |
| Under full retirement age in 2025 | $23,400 ($1,950/mo.) | $1 for every $2 |
| Turning full retirement age in 2025 | $62,160 ($5,180/mo.) | $1 for every $3 |
| Beginning the month, an individual
attains FRA |
No limit | |
Don’t forget that benefits withheld due to earnings will be increased starting at full retirement age, accounting for months withheld during the previous year.
Why should beneficiaries open a My Social Security Account?
Creating a My Social Security Account gives beneficiaries secure and interactive access to Social Security online services. If you qualify for Social Security benefits, you will be able to request a replacement Social Security card, report your wages if you work, and receive benefits from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Likewise, you will be able to download financial statements and request other changes such as:
- Verify your earnings history, benefits, and payment details.
- Change your address and phone number.
- Start or change the direct deposit of your benefit payment.
If you are still not receiving monthly benefits, you may be able to view retirement benefit estimates at different ages or dates when you want to begin receiving benefits, check your application status, and request an estimate of the Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid.