Countless retirees throughout the U.S. depend on Social Security benefits as a key source of income. The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues payments on a monthly basis; however, not every recipient receives their checks on the same day. Payment schedules are determined by birth dates and various eligibility criteria.
This week, another series of Social Security payments will be disbursed—check to see if you qualify.
Who Will Be Paid This Week?
The SSA is prepared to release Social Security payments on Wednesday, March 19. This distribution is for retirees whose birthdays are between the 11th and 20th of any month.
Nonetheless, not all Social Security beneficiaries adhere to this payment schedule. Those who receive payments under different conditions include:
- Individuals who have been receiving Social Security benefits since before May 1997 (their payments were processed earlier this month).
- Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which operates on a different payment schedule.
If you belong to one of these categories, you will not get a payment on March 19.
How Much Will Your Social Security Payment Be?
Your Social Security benefit amount is influenced by several elements, including:
- Your lifetime earnings
- The age at which you begin collecting benefits
- Annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
In January 2025, Social Security benefits experienced a 2.5% COLA increase, which helped retirees maintain their purchasing power in light of inflation.
This is how the maximum Social Security benefits for 2025 are structured:
| 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 amounted to $1,976.
What If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive?
If your Social Security payment doesn’t arrive on the anticipated date, the SSA recommends waiting three business days prior to reaching out to them. Keep in mind that weekends and public holidays are excluded from business days.
For any missing payments, retirees can:
- Review their bank account for direct deposit entries.
- Access their My Social Security account (ssa.gov) to confirm payment status.
- Contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if the payment is still absent after three business days.
What Can We Expect for Social Security in 2026?
Looking forward, Social Security benefits are projected to rise again in 2026 due to COLA adjustments. However, early estimates suggest a smaller increase than in previous years.
The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) and independent analyst Mary Johnson foresee a COLA increase of around 2.2% for 2026, a decrease from 2.5% in 2025.
The official COLA announcement will occur in October 2025, but if inflation stays moderate, retirees might experience smaller increases in benefits compared to prior years.
FAQs
1. Who will be receiving Social Security payments on March 19?
Retirees whose birthdays are between the 11th and 20th of each month will get their March Social Security payment on March 19, 2025.
2. How can I check the status of my Social Security payment?
You can verify your payment history and status by logging into your My Social Security account at ssa.gov.
3. What should I do if I haven’t received my payment?
If your payment doesn’t arrive as anticipated, wait three business days before reaching out to the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
4. How much will Social Security benefits increase in 2026?
Preliminary estimates indicate a 2.2% increase in 2026, which is slightly lower than the 2.5% increase in 2025. The final COLA adjustment will be revealed in October 2025.
5. What is the maximum Social Security benefit in 2025?
The maximum monthly benefit for 2025 varies based on retirement age:
$2,831 at age 62
$4,018 at full retirement age (67)
$5,108 at age 70
