Social Security payments will be made this week to millions of Americans who depend on these funds as a vital income source. Over 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits each month. The benefits form the foundation of income for retirees, survivors of deceased claimants, and disabled individuals.
Due to the large number of recipients, not everyone gets their benefits on the same date each month. This week, Social Security beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month can expect their payment on Wednesday, February 12. To be eligible for Social Security benefits, individuals must be at least 62 years old and have worked for at least ten years, paying Social Security taxes during that time.
In 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a benefits increase due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which helps offset inflation.
Social Security payment dates for February
The estimated average retirement benefit will increase by about $49 per month, from $1,927 to $1,976.
For retirees who claim benefits at Full Retirement Age, currently 67, the maximum monthly payment is $4,018. Those starting benefits at the earliest eligible age of 62 can receive up to $2,831. However, delaying retirement until age 70 could raise the maximum monthly benefit to $5,108.
Most retirees do not receive the maximum benefit, as it is based on their lifetime earnings and how long they contributed to Social Security. Former Social Security commissioner Martin O’Malley said, “Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase in 2025, helping tens of millions of people keep up with expenses even as inflation has started to cool.”
Independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst Mary Johnson noted, “The 2025 COLA will be the lowest received by Social Security beneficiaries since 2021. Despite this being the lowest COLA since 2021, a 2.5 percent COLA would still be considered average.”
The next payments will be made on Wednesday, February 19, followed by another round on February 26.
The SSA recommends waiting three working days before contacting them if a payment does not arrive on the expected date, as federal holidays and weekends are not considered working days.