March 2025 Social Security Payments: Key Dates and What to Expect

Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits to cover essential expenses, and understanding the payment schedule helps recipients plan accordingly. In March 2025, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive their payments on specific dates based on their birthdate and benefit type. Here’s what you need to know about the March distribution schedule and upcoming adjustments in the months ahead.

Social Security Retirement, Disability, and Survivor Benefits

Payments are distributed based on the beneficiary’s birth date:

• Second Wednesday (March 12): Recipients born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
• Third Wednesday (March 19): Recipients born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
• Fourth Wednesday (March 26): Recipients born between the 21st and 31st of the month.

This staggered schedule ensures that payments are processed efficiently and distributed evenly throughout the month. More details on SSA.gov.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments

SSI benefits are typically paid on the first of each month. However, when the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are issued on the preceding business day.

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• March 2025 SSI payment: Friday, February 28 (since March 1 falls on a Saturday).

Combined Social Security and SSI Benefits

Individuals who receive both Social Security and SSI benefits, as well as those who began receiving Social Security before May 1997, will follow a slightly different payment schedule:

• SSI Payment: Friday, February 28.
• Social Security Payment: Monday, March 3.

2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

In 2025, a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was applied to Social Security and SSI benefits, helping recipients keep pace with inflation. Details on COLA adjustments.

Average Benefit Amounts in 2025

• Social Security: The average retirement benefit is approximately $1,976 per month.
• SSI: The maximum monthly payment is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. More on SSI benefits.

Looking Ahead – April and May 2025

The Social Security payment schedule will remain the same in April. However, SSI recipients will receive two payments in May due to a scheduling adjustment:

• First payment: Thursday, May 1.
• Second payment: Friday, May 30 (instead of June 1, which falls on a Sunday).

For a full 2025 payment schedule, visit the Social Security Administration’s official calendar.

Staying informed about payment schedules ensures beneficiaries can better plan their finances. The Social Security Administration advises recipients to sign up for direct deposit to receive their payments on time and avoid potential mail delays.