Millions of Americans will receive a boost in their retirement income as the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues monthly benefit checks this week for millions of retirees, which may amount to as much as $5,108 on August 13, 2025. Learning how to qualify for maximum payment and how payment schedules operate will help beneficiaries to effectively plan for the financial needs they have in case something happens.
Who qualifies for the maximum benefit of $5,108?
The $5,108 figure indicates the maximum possible monthly Social Security benefit allowed in 2025. To claim this amount, the retiree must be eligible based on three very demanding conditions:
- Has worked and paid Social Security payroll taxes for at least 35 years.
- Has always enjoyed taxation at or above the limit on maximum taxable annual income on most of those years.
- Has not claimed retirement but waited until 70, thus accruing maximum delayed retirement credits.
Hardly any beneficiary fulfills all three conditions. Most beneficiaries get lower payments either because they have taken benefits before retirement age (before age 70) or have received lower lifetime earnings. Here are average monthly retirement benefit numbers: approximately $1,907 in 2025. Older retirees, like this, reflect much of the broader earning and claiming patterns.
Schedule payments according to dates of birth
The SSA pays retirement benefits once in a single month on Wednesday according to the date of birth of beneficiaries as follows:
- 2nd Wednesday, i.e. August 13, 2025: Birthdays from 1st to 10th.
- 3rd Wednesday, i.e. August 20, 2025: Birthdays from the 11th to 20th.
- For a birthday on either of the 21st through the 31st of the month, it will be the fourth Wednesday in August, i.e., August 27, 2025.
For those molded as well to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a second month payment will occur this month due to the way the SSI calendar lines up with the typical retirement calendar. The Federal Maximums for SSI in 2025 are $967 for individuals, $1,450 for couples, and $484 for essential persons.
How benefits get defined
- Advanced calculations of Social Security retirement benefits come from two main points.
- Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) that is calculated from the highest 35 earnings periods adjusted for inflation.
Age when claim gets done, where full retirement age (67) gives 100% of the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA); for every early claiming on the 62nd birthday, a reduction is observed in the benefits; while getting delayed beyond full retirement age and up to 70 years increases up to 8% each year until the maximum of $5,108 is attained.
It is ensured by such a progressive formula that lower earners have a higher percentage of their pre-retirement income replaced by Social Security, but high earners nearly optimized their monthly check because they delayed their benefits.
How to check amount and date of payment
Beneficiaries should use the SSA’s My Social Security online portal to:
- See the current benefit estimate as well as the projected date of payment.
- Review all of their past earnings and contribution history.
- Update direct deposit information to avoid check delays.
If never before, sign up by visiting ssa.gov/myaccount. Generally, deposits will arrive faster than checks, as the SSA suggests you contact them about missing payments at least three business days after the designated payment date.
What to do if your check is late or incorrect
If your check does not come through by August 16, consider these actions:
- Wait three business days: Minor delays can occur due to weekend and bank processing.
- Verify account details: Check your routing and account numbers in your SSA online account.
- Call the SSA: Call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to seek help from someone who can assist you in solving the issue, or visit the nearest SSA office.
For beneficiaries who receive SSI and look forward to an August 1 payout, it is noted that SSI has a separate calendar and may be subject to the holiday adjustments.
Looking ahead: Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Social Security benefits are pegged to inflation using the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). On that account, the provisions of the COLA effective January 2025, which were at 2.5 percent in 2025, contributed to a more significant maximum benefit. Little benefits will rise for beneficiaries regarding their 2026 COLA: presently projected at 2.6 percent, as officially announced every October.
This week’s Social Security payments amount to a significant source of income for nearly 70 million people in America who use these payments to get by. Such understanding of eligibility requirements for receiving payments, schedules, and payment issues would ensure even those who take in the highest benefit of $5,108 or average benefit successfully receive their entitled benefits.
Read more: What is the current maximum amount of taxable earnings for Social Security in 2025?
Read more: What happens if I work and get Social Security retirement benefits?
