How dates of payment are aligned to the type of social benefit received do vary considerably. Most retirement and disability benefits are paid on the basis of the birth dates of the beneficiaries. To streamline the distribution of funds, the “Birthday Rule” segments beneficiaries into three groups depending on when their birthday falls within the month. Payments are paid on the second, third, or fourth Wednesdays of the month.
In contrast, the payment of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) also referred to as “age 65 or over” is not dependent on a participant’s birthday. All beneficiaries are paid monthly, with the first being the standard payment day.
Payments made on the first of the month may also be paid the month before, if the first falls on a Saturday or Sunday, or if the first of the month is a public holiday. When beneficiaries receive both “age 65 or over” and another Social Security benefit, these payments are paid together on the third of each month.
Social Security Distribution Periods Based on Date of Birth
The table below illustrates on a granular level accounts payable dates for retirement, survivors, and disability benefits as determined for the year 2025 and segmented based on birth dates. The cycle continued throughout the year ensuring that the expectation of payment periods based on birth dates was communicated effectively.
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date in January 2025 | Payment Date in February 2025 | Payment Date in March 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | 8th January (2nd Wednesday) | 12th February (2nd Wednesday) | 12th March (2nd Wednesday) |
| 11th – 20th | 15th January (3rd Wednesday) | 19th February (3rd Wednesday) | 19th March (3rd Wednesday) |
| 21st – 31st | 22nd January (4th Wednesday) | 26th February (4th Wednesday) | 26th March (4th Wednesday) |
Additional Adjustments and Relief Payments for 2025
In 2025, the adjustments brings a significant 20.6% increase in Social Security payment owing to inflation increase. There are also relief payments scheduled for June 2025, where SSI and SSDI recipients are expected to receive relief payment of $3,550. The average monthly Social Security payments are expected to be around $2,780 for beneficiaries which include seniors and veterans.
Pointers for Beneficiaries
In instances where a payment is scheduled for a certain date and does not go through for some, beneficiaries should wait a total of 3 additional days to cope with Social Security Administration before making any contact. It is also worth noting the payment schedule, which is available on the official SSA website, or through SSA.gov.
Funds are disbursed across 12 months of the year, with payments split by birth month and those outlined by the SSI. The SSA attempts to cater to the most needy members of the United States persistently.