Today marks the day when a fresh round of Social Security payments will be sent out to eligible recipients. However, not everyone will receive their payment today.
The distribution of Social Security benefits is often staggered based on birth dates, and only individuals with specific dates of birth will be eligible for today’s payment.
Who Will Receive the Payments?
The payments being issued today are part of the monthly Social Security benefits that are sent out to over 70 million people across the United States. The payments for this week are targeted at individuals whose birth dates fall between the 21st and 31st of any calendar month.
These payments apply to retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits, providing vital financial support to those who rely on them. The amounts that recipients will receive can vary based on several factors, including how much they earned throughout their career and when they started claiming their Social Security benefits.
How Much Will You Receive?
For May 2025, the average monthly benefit for a retired worker was $2,002.39, according to Newsweek. However, the amount you’ll receive depends on your specific circumstances. For example:
If you choose to start claiming Social Security at age 62, your monthly benefit will be significantly reduced, with the maximum payment reaching $2,831.
For those who wait until age 67, the payment amount increases to around $4,018.
The maximum possible payment is $5,108 per month for individuals who delay claiming Social Security benefits until age 70.
The choice of when to start receiving Social Security payments is crucial, as it significantly impacts how much you will receive over your lifetime.
Future Increases: What’s Next?
Looking ahead, beneficiaries can expect an increase in payments due to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). As of now, the COLA increase for 2025 is predicted to be around 2.5%. This adjustment helps beneficiaries keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living.
Additionally, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Trump, will increase the standard deduction for people aged 65 and over. Between 2025 and 2028, those 65 and older will see their standard deduction rise by up to $6,000, providing further financial relief.
The End of a Guaranteed Income Program
While Social Security benefits are providing financial support to millions, some Americans are facing the end of a guaranteed income program. The Breathe Program in Los Angeles, which provided $1,000 monthly payments to randomly selected individuals living in poverty, has now concluded.
This program was aimed at assisting people in need by offering them a stable source of income.
One participant, a single mother of five named Darien, shared her gratitude for the program, stating, “I don’t get a lot of help. For the next couple of years, that I get it, I’m able to save up.” Videos from other beneficiaries showed their appreciation for the financial assistance they received, which helped them during challenging times.
While the new Social Security payments being distributed today will offer support to millions of Americans, it’s important to note that the exact amount varies depending on factors such as when benefits are claimed and how much someone earned throughout their career.
Looking ahead, there are promising increases on the horizon for Social Security recipients through the COLA adjustment and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. However, other financial support programs like the Breathe program have come to an end, leaving some people without that guaranteed income.
