Each month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends out millions of payments to retirees, disabled individuals, and low-income beneficiaries. With nearly 70 million people relying on these payments, the SSA follows a very strict schedule.
Why? Because it helps both administrators and recipients know exactly when money will land. For many, it’s the difference between paying the bills on time or falling behind. This week, a select group of recipients is set to receive a payment of up to $5,108.
Schedule
If you’re an SSA beneficiary, your payment date is no surprise. It happens like clockwork—unless a holiday or weekend gets in the way. Payments are based on your birth date, the type of benefit you’re receiving, and when you started claiming it.
Here’s how the general SSA retirement payment schedule works:
Birth Date RangePayment Date (Each Month)1st–10thSecond Wednesday of the month11th–20thThird Wednesday of the month21st–31stFourth Wednesday of the month
Now, if you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) only, things are a little different:
You get paid on the first of the month.
If you receive both SSI and Social Security retirement, your payment comes on the third.
If you claimed your benefits before May 1997, you’re also paid on the third.
So, unless your payment date lands on a weekend or a holiday (in which case, it might arrive a little earlier), this routine rarely changes.
$5108
This week, July 23rd, is the fourth Wednesday of the month—meaning it’s payday for beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st. And for some lucky recipients, it’s a big one.
According to the SSA, the maximum retirement benefit you can receive is $5,108 per month. Yes, that’s real—but not everyone qualifies for that amount. The average payment is closer to $2,000 per month.
So, what does it take to qualify for that maximum amount?
You’ll need to:
Wait until you’re 70 years old to claim benefits
Pay Social Security taxes on at least 35 years of high earnings
Earn 40 credits over your working life (which generally equals 10 years of work)
The biggest factor here? Delaying your claim. The SSA allows you to start receiving retirement benefits as early as 62—but if you hold off until 70, your monthly benefit gets a serious boost. After 70, there’s no more advantage to waiting, so that’s the sweet spot.
Boost
While waiting until 70 is the most powerful way to increase your monthly SSA checks, there are a few other tricks that can help you get more from your benefits.
For example:
Spousal Benefits: If you were married for at least 10 years—even if you’re divorced—you may qualify for spousal or survivor benefits.
Work Longer: Your benefit is calculated based on your top 35 earning years. If you replace lower-earning years with higher ones (even in your 60s), your benefit could go up.
Pay More into the System: Higher earnings mean higher contributions—and higher future benefits.
But here’s the catch: Social Security was never meant to be your only source of income in retirement. The smartest move? Build a comprehensive retirement plan that includes savings, investments, and possibly a pension—so you’re not relying solely on your monthly SSA check.
Planning
Knowing your exact payment schedule allows you to plan bills, groceries, and other essentials without guessing. Whether you’re receiving the average $2,000 or the full $5,108, consistency is key when budgeting on a fixed income.
If you’re unsure when your next check is coming or how much to expect, you can always log into your My Social Security account at SSA.gov. It’ll show upcoming payments, earnings history, and projected future benefits.
These payments are a lifeline for millions. And for the small group getting the maximum benefit this week—it’s more than just helpful. It’s financial peace of mind.
FAQs
Who gets paid on July 23?
Those born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
What is the max SSA payment in 2025?
The maximum is $5,108 per month for eligible retirees.
When do SSI-only recipients get paid?
SSI-only recipients are paid on the 1st of each month.
How do I qualify for $5,108 monthly?
Wait until 70 to claim, work 35 years, earn 40 credits.
Can divorced people claim spousal benefits?
Yes, if married at least 10 years and meet other rules.
Each month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends out millions of payments to retirees, disabled individuals, and low-income beneficiaries. With nearly 70 million people relying on these payments, the SSA follows a very strict schedule.
Why? Because it helps both administrators and recipients know exactly when money will land. For many, it’s the difference between paying the bills on time or falling behind. This week, a select group of recipients is set to receive a payment of up to $5,108.
Schedule
If you’re an SSA beneficiary, your payment date is no surprise. It happens like clockwork—unless a holiday or weekend gets in the way. Payments are based on your birth date, the type of benefit you’re receiving, and when you started claiming it.
Here’s how the general SSA retirement payment schedule works:
Birth Date RangePayment Date (Each Month)1st–10thSecond Wednesday of the month11th–20thThird Wednesday of the month21st–31stFourth Wednesday of the month
Now, if you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) only, things are a little different:
You get paid on the first of the month.
If you receive both SSI and Social Security retirement, your payment comes on the third.
If you claimed your benefits before May 1997, you’re also paid on the third.
So, unless your payment date lands on a weekend or a holiday (in which case, it might arrive a little earlier), this routine rarely changes.
$5108
This week, July 23rd, is the fourth Wednesday of the month—meaning it’s payday for beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st. And for some lucky recipients, it’s a big one.
According to the SSA, the maximum retirement benefit you can receive is $5,108 per month. Yes, that’s real—but not everyone qualifies for that amount. The average payment is closer to $2,000 per month.
So, what does it take to qualify for that maximum amount?
You’ll need to:
Wait until you’re 70 years old to claim benefits
Pay Social Security taxes on at least 35 years of high earnings
Earn 40 credits over your working life (which generally equals 10 years of work)
The biggest factor here? Delaying your claim. The SSA allows you to start receiving retirement benefits as early as 62—but if you hold off until 70, your monthly benefit gets a serious boost. After 70, there’s no more advantage to waiting, so that’s the sweet spot.
Boost
While waiting until 70 is the most powerful way to increase your monthly SSA checks, there are a few other tricks that can help you get more from your benefits.
For example:
Spousal Benefits: If you were married for at least 10 years—even if you’re divorced—you may qualify for spousal or survivor benefits.
Work Longer: Your benefit is calculated based on your top 35 earning years. If you replace lower-earning years with higher ones (even in your 60s), your benefit could go up.
Pay More into the System: Higher earnings mean higher contributions—and higher future benefits.
But here’s the catch: Social Security was never meant to be your only source of income in retirement. The smartest move? Build a comprehensive retirement plan that includes savings, investments, and possibly a pension—so you’re not relying solely on your monthly SSA check.
Planning
Knowing your exact payment schedule allows you to plan bills, groceries, and other essentials without guessing. Whether you’re receiving the average $2,000 or the full $5,108, consistency is key when budgeting on a fixed income.
If you’re unsure when your next check is coming or how much to expect, you can always log into your My Social Security account at SSA.gov. It’ll show upcoming payments, earnings history, and projected future benefits.
These payments are a lifeline for millions. And for the small group getting the maximum benefit this week—it’s more than just helpful. It’s financial peace of mind.
FAQs
Who gets paid on July 23?
Those born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
What is the max SSA payment in 2025?
The maximum is $5,108 per month for eligible retirees.
When do SSI-only recipients get paid?
SSI-only recipients are paid on the 1st of each month.
How do I qualify for $5,108 monthly?
Wait until 70 to claim, work 35 years, earn 40 credits.
Can divorced people claim spousal benefits?
Yes, if married at least 10 years and meet other rules.