At the start of this month, millions of Americans woke up to find more money in their bank accounts than they expected. Thanks to recent changes by the Social Security Administration (SSA), beneficiaries are receiving larger payments. These adjustments bring much-needed relief at a time when living costs continue to rise.
For some Americans, particularly those who delayed their Social Security claims until the age of 70, payments have reached record-high levels. A single person can now receive up to $4,873 per month. For couples where both partners delayed their claims and had strong work histories, the total can be as high as $10,124 monthly.
Take the example of Janet Harwood, a 68-year-old retired nurse from Memphis. She shared her excitement after checking her bank account. “I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw the deposit,” she said. “After 42 years of hard work, it feels amazing to finally get these benefits.”
Why Your Social Security Check Might Be Bigger This Month
The SSA has made several changes that are now reflecting in the monthly payments. These changes include updates to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and adjustments based on your retirement age and income history.
Financial advisor Sarah Matthews, who specializes in retirement planning, explained it clearly: “Many people don’t realize how much their benefits can change depending on when they claim, how much they earned during their working years, and annual inflation adjustments. The surprise is common, especially when new policies roll out.”
How the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Boosts Your Benefits
One of the biggest reasons behind the increase in payments is the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment, or COLA. This adjustment is made each year to help benefits keep up with inflation.
This year, the COLA increase was 3.2%, which may sound small compared to the 8.7% jump last year. But it still means more money in your pocket. For someone receiving the average Social Security benefit of around $1,907 per month, the 3.2% increase adds about $61 more each month.
Frank Wilson, a retired construction worker, said, “That extra $60 doesn’t seem like much, but when you live on a fixed income, it really helps. I can now cover my prescription costs without worry.”
Record-High Maximum Benefits in 2025
In 2025, the highest possible Social Security benefit has reached a new peak—$4,873 per month, or $58,476 per year. But very few people qualify for this amount.
To receive the maximum benefit, you must:
- Have earned at or above the taxable income cap for at least 35 years
- Wait until age 70 to claim your benefits
- Have consistent, high earnings throughout your career
Most retirees get much less. On average:
- Retired workers receive around $1,907 per month
- Disabled workers get about $1,489 per month
Who Qualifies for the Biggest Social Security Payments?
Not every retiree receives the same Social Security amount. Your benefit is based on several personal factors.
The key factors are:
- Work History & Earnings: Your top 35 highest-earning years matter the most. Any low-income or missing years reduce your benefit.
- Claiming Age: If you claim before your full retirement age (66–67), your payment is permanently reduced. If you wait until 70, you receive about 8% more per year in benefits.
- Annual COLA Adjustments: These increase your monthly check over time, especially important during high-inflation years.
Robert Jenkins, a retired accountant, says, “The decision of when to claim benefits is critical. Claiming at 62 vs. 70 can be a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.”
Special Benefits for Married Couples
Married couples have more strategies to increase their total Social Security income. If both spouses qualify for benefits, they may receive a combined payment of up to $10,124 per month if:
- Both had high incomes throughout their careers
- Both waited until 70 to claim benefits
- They qualify for the highest benefit levels
Even if one spouse didn’t work much, spousal benefits can help. These provide extra income based on the higher-earning partner’s work record.
When Will You Get Your Social Security Payment?
The SSA follows a clear schedule to send out payments. Knowing your expected payment date can help with budgeting and financial planning.
Here’s the standard payment schedule for people who began receiving benefits after May 1997:
- Birthdays 1–10: Payment on the second Wednesday of the month
- Birthdays 11–20: Payment on the third Wednesday
- Birthdays 21–31: Payment on the fourth Wednesday
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is usually paid on the first of the month. If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment arrives the business day before.
Maria Gonzalez, who cares for her mother, says, “Once we learned the payment dates, we could plan our bills better. It really helped with managing groceries and medicine.”
What Could Delay Your Payment?
While the SSA sticks to its schedule, some situations can affect the timing:
- Federal Holidays: If your payment date lands on a holiday, expect it the day before
- Weekends: Weekend payment dates are shifted to the prior Friday
- Paper Checks vs. Direct Deposit: Direct deposits usually arrive on time, while checks may take a few days to arrive by mail
To avoid delays, direct deposit is the safest option.
How to Check Your Payment and Manage Your Benefits
It’s important to keep track of your payment status, especially as changes happen.
Use the SSA’s Online Portal at ssa.gov:
- Set up your my Social Security account
- View current and past payments
- Change your direct deposit info
- Download benefit letters
- Track your COLA updates
James Parker, a new retiree from Ohio, shared, “Setting up the online account only took 10 minutes. Now I can check everything from my phone.”
Other Ways to Get Help
If you’re not comfortable with online tools, you can also:
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 for support and automated information
- Visit a Local Office for in-person help (appointments are advised)
These resources ensure that everyone, including seniors without internet access, can stay informed.
Tips to Maximize Your Future Benefits
If you haven’t claimed your benefits yet, here are some ways to get the most from Social Security:
- Delay Your Claim: Waiting until age 70 gives you the highest possible monthly benefit
- Work Longer: Replace low-earning years with higher-income years to boost your average
- Track Your Earnings: Make sure the SSA has accurate records of your work history
- Spousal Strategies: Coordinate your and your partner’s claiming strategies for maximum benefit
Planning ahead can make a major difference in your financial future. Even small decisions today can lead to thousands of dollars more over time.