Another round of Social Security checks is on the way, and this upcoming batch is especially newsworthy because some recipients could see over $5,100 in their checks for one month. These deposits are set for Wednesday, August 27, and it’s for folks whose birthdays land between the 21st and the 31st of any month, following the payment schedule the SSA has in place.
Who Gets These Payments?
The SSA has three main programs that send out checks: retirement, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Disability. Retirement benefits are calculated based on the work record—you earn credits through payroll taxes over the years. SSI and Disability benefits, by contrast, focus on the size of one’s paycheck and the ability to earn it.
People on SSI or Disability must meet strict rules: for SSI, that usually means living on a very set income, and for Disability, having a health problem that keeps someone from working. Retirement benefits, on the other hand, can be complemented by other income.
How to Boost Your Social Security Check to the Max
You can start collecting retirement benefits at 62, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a nicer reward if you hold off until you reach full retirement age—or, even better, until you’re 70. If you wait that long, the biggest monthly check you can receive in 2025 is $5,108. Just keep in mind that you also have to meet a few other requirements.
If you file sooner, the monthly check shrinks, so the age you pick to start Social Security really matters. The idea is to wait as long as you can to boost your check for the rest of your life.
Mark Your Calendars
For anyone born late in the month, your checks follow a timetable:
• Born the 1st to the 10th? Your payment lands on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.
• Born the 11th to the 20th? Watch for the 3rd Wednesday.
• Born the 21st to the end of the month? The check comes on the 4th Wednesday.
You also want to pencil in October 15, 2025. That’s when the SSA releases the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. The COLA is supposed to keep buying power stable against rising costs, and it gets added to every monthly benefit.
Funny side note: some people actually wish the COLA is small because it means prices on groceries and gas aren’t climbing fast. A tiny increase would help keep the value of that monthly check higher in real terms.
What’s Next for People Getting Benefits?
If you get a payment from the SSA, write down the important dates and check if you’re still eligible, especially if you’re thinking about changing when you claim your benefits. Go to the SSA’s website or your nearest SSA office for the most up-to-date and personal advice.
Since millions of people get a monthly check from the SSA, knowing the rules helps you figure out the best way to budget your retirement income, especially when every single dollar makes a difference.
