If you’re relying on Social Security retirement benefits, good news! Tomorrow is payday for a big group of you. Social Security payments are hitting bank accounts bright and early on Wednesday morning. But why are some people getting paid tomorrow, while others have to wait? Let’s break it down so you know exactly when to expect your money.
The Birthday Payday Schedule
A few decades ago, the Social Security Administration (SSA) realized that sending out checks to every retiree on the same day could cause a massive headache. Banks would get swamped, delays would happen, and it would be a logistical nightmare.
To avoid this chaos, they created a staggered payment schedule based on your birthday. If you started receiving benefits after May 1997, you’re on this birthday schedule. So, when do you get paid in July? Let’s dive in.
July Payment Schedule
Here’s when you can expect your payment in July, based on your birthday:
Wednesday, July 9: If your birthday falls between the 1st and the 10th of the month, your payment will arrive tomorrow. Check your account!
Wednesday, July 16: If your birthday is between the 11th and the 20th, this is your payday.
Wednesday, July 23: Born between the 21st and the 31st? Your payment arrives on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
What Happens if the Date Falls on a Weekend or Holiday?
If your payment is due on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, it will be pushed to the previous business day. While July doesn’t have any holiday conflicts, keep this rule in mind for months like August or September.
Not Just Retirement Payments
Retirement payments aren’t the only thing happening this month. Two other key groups have already received their payments:
SSI Recipients: People receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities, got their July payment on Tuesday, July 1st. SSI payments are always made on the 1st of each month.
Special Cases: If you started receiving Social Security before May 1997, or if you receive both SSI and Social Security, or live abroad, your payment landed last week on Wednesday, July 3rd. This group gets paid on the 3rd of each month regardless of birthday.
Where’s My Money?
If you’re wondering if your payment is on track, don’t keep hitting refresh on your bank app. Instead, try these two options:
My Social Security Account: Log in (or sign up) to your personal account at ssa.gov/mysocialsecurity/. You can view your payment history, future estimates, and even download official letters. It’s like having your own SSA office in your pocket.
Call the SSA: If you prefer speaking with someone, you can call the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. They offer assistance in English, Spanish, and other languages. For shorter wait times, try calling later in the afternoon.
How Much Could You Get in 2025?
The amount you’ll receive depends on two main things: when you retired and how much you earned during your career. Here’s the breakdown based on the latest figures and the 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025:
Retired at 62 (Early): The maximum monthly payment is around $2,831. Keep in mind, starting early means a smaller check each month.
Retired at Full Retirement Age (67): If you waited until your full retirement age, you could get up to $4,018 per month.
Retired at 70 (Delayed): By delaying benefits until age 70, you can max out your monthly check to $5,108. This assumes you’ve paid into Social Security for at least 35 years, hitting the maximum taxable income cap (projected to be $176,100 in 2025).
