Social Security recipients may have a reason to check their bank accounts a little earlier this month. According to the SSA’s schedule, some beneficiaries will be getting their next payment as soon as Wednesday, July 9 — and for a lucky few, the amount could be as much as $5,108. These payments are part of the normal Social Security retirement benefit system, but this month they’re arriving sooner than many expected.
Let’s take a closer look at who qualifies, what’s behind this early payout, and how some recipients will see their monthly checks increase permanently starting this year.
Schedule
The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a very structured and predictable payment schedule. This system helps ensure that over 70 million beneficiaries receive their payments on time, every time — and for many, it’s their only reliable source of income.
Here’s how SSA determines when you get paid:
Birth Date RangePayment Date1st – 10th2nd Wednesday of the month11th – 20th3rd Wednesday21st – 31st4th Wednesday
If you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) only, your benefits are deposited on the 1st of every month. If you’re receiving both SSI and retirement benefits, or if you claimed retirement before May 1997, your payment always lands on the 3rd of each month.
This month, Wednesday, July 9 is the second Wednesday, which means it’s payday for those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month — except for SSI-only recipients.
Payment
Now, here’s where it gets exciting. While most retirees can expect an average payment of around $2,000, a small group of high earners will be getting the maximum Social Security retirement benefit — a hefty $5,108.
To qualify for this maximum amount, you must meet the following criteria:
Worked at least 35 years
Earned the maximum taxable income for Social Security each of those years
Waited until age 70 to claim retirement benefits
Most Americans don’t meet all three conditions, which is why the majority receive much less. But if you do qualify, that $5,000+ monthly check can make a huge difference in retirement.
Raises
If you’re already collecting Social Security, you might think your payment is locked in for life — and for the most part, that’s true. The only routine increase comes from the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which helps your benefits keep up with inflation.
But this year, there’s something different.
Thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, many recipients affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) are seeing an increase in their monthly payments.
These two provisions previously reduced benefits for people who:
Worked in public service jobs (like teachers or law enforcement)
Received pensions from non-Social Security-covered employment
The repeal of WEP and GPO means that millions of retirees are now getting higher monthly payments — and in some cases, back payments dating back to January 2024 are also being issued.
This is a major win, especially for older Americans who were unfairly penalized under the previous rules.
Outlook
Between the early July payment and the increased monthly checks from the Fairness Act changes, this week is shaping up to be a financially significant one for many SSA recipients. If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th and you’ve met the conditions, your payment will likely arrive tomorrow.
And if you were impacted by WEP or GPO in the past, don’t be surprised if your benefits have gone up — and check your mail or bank for any back pay.
Now’s the perfect time to make sure all your details with the SSA are up to date, especially your bank account and mailing address. That way, you won’t miss any future payments or benefit updates.
FAQs
Who gets paid on July 9?
Those born between the 1st and 10th of any month (non-SSI).
What’s the max Social Security payment?
The maximum monthly benefit is $5,108 in 2025.
How can I qualify for $5,000?
Work 35 years, earn maximum wages, and claim at age 70.
What is the Social Security Fairness Act?
It repeals WEP and GPO, increasing benefits for many retirees.
Do COLA increases happen automatically?
Yes, COLA is applied every year to adjust benefits for inflation.