What You Need to Know About Social Security Payments 2025

Social Security plays a crucial role in supporting millions of Americans across the country. Every month, Social Security payments are made to retirees, disabled workers, and families who depend on it. These payments provide essential financial support for countless households.

If you’ve ever wondered how to increase your Social Security payments or when these payments come, you're not alone.

This article will look at everything you need to know about Social Security payments in 2025. It will explain how to boost your payments, understand payment schedules, and even new changes with direct deposits. 

How To Increase Social Security Disability Payments

If you’re on disability benefits, you know that every dollar counts. The positive part is that several methods help raise your SSDI benefits. All you need to do is take the right actions, and you'll receive the extra payment you desire.

Here are some of the ways you can increase your disability payments:

1. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

Each year, Social Security payments, including SSDI, are updated to reflect changes in the cost of living. Typically, the government increases Social Security benefits annually to keep up with inflation and rising living costs. This increase is called the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). In 2024, the COLA was 3.2%, while 2025’s adjustment is expected to be smaller. It still means your check gets a boost without you needing to do anything.

Although it is automatic, you need to keep track of the announcements each October. This will help you to know if there's an increase in your Social Security payment.

2. Correcting Your Work Record 

Your SSDI benefit is calculated using your total earnings over your working years. If your Social Security work record has errors, your payments might be lower than they should be. An error could be missing wages from certain jobs. Log in to your SSA account and review your earnings history to fix this. If you see mistakes, request a correction with proper documentation.

These little steps can sometimes mean a permanent increase in your benefit.

3. Combining SSDI with SSI

In addition to SSDI, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income. SSDI checks must be very low and meet financial need requirements to qualify. This is called “concurrent benefits.” It’s worth checking, especially if your total income and resources are limited.

4. Ticket to Work and Work Incentives

Social Security has programs that allow you to test working again without immediately losing your benefits. Programs, such as “Ticket to Work”, allow you to maintain Medicare and certain benefits. At the same time, you can explore part-time or full-time employment. Higher earnings can sometimes raise your Social Security payment record and future benefits.

Although you cannot just request higher payments, there are other ways to increase them. To view your social security payments, review your work record, check for SSI eligibility, and track COLA adjustments. 

When Are Social Security Payments Made in 2025?

A frequently asked question is “When will my payment arrive?”. The timing varies based on the specific benefits you're receiving. It could be your birth date or even when you first started receiving Social Security.

Here are some possible times you can get your Social Security payments:

• Retirement and Disability Benefits Schedule: Most beneficiaries' payments are on their birthdays. If your date of birth falls between the 1st and 10th, you’ll receive your payment on the second Wednesday of each month. If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, payments occur on the third Wednesday of each month.

• Supplemental Security Income schedule: The SSI is different. Payments are typically made on the first day of the month. But if the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, they are issued on the business day before.

This is why there are months where you get two SSI payments. However, this means there will be no payment for the next month. For example, there was no payment for June. This happened because Social Security payments May 2025 were given out on May 1 and May 30.

• Special Cases: Certain situations qualify you to receive payment on the month's third day. These apply if you began receiving benefits before May 1997 or received both Social Security and SSI.

Survivors and dependents usually follow the same birthday schedule as the primary earner.

The SSA publishes a yearly calendar. Mark your paydays in advance so you know exactly when money will hit your account.

Are Social Security Payments Taxed?

A common concern is whether taxes are paid on Social Security. It varies based on several important factors.

1. The Basic Rule: Taxes can be collected from Social Security benefits if the “combined income” exceeds specific limits. 

Your combined income is:

Adjusted Gross Income + Nontaxable Interest + ½ of Your Social Security Benefits

If you’re single and your combined income ranges from $25,000 to $34,000, 50% of your benefits could be subject to taxes. If it is above $34,000, up to 85% may be taxable.

For joint filers, 50% of your income will be taxed if you earn $32,000–$44,000. If the amount exceeds $44,000, 85% will be subject to taxation.

2. The 2025 Temporary Change: Many seniors will pay no federal taxes on Social Security benefits for tax years 2025–2028. This is all thanks to recent legislation. This is temporary, but about 88% of seniors won’t see their benefits taxed.

3. Strategies to Manage Taxes: Consider using Roth IRA withdrawals. This doesn't count in combined income. You could also ask SSA to withhold taxes from your check if you’re worried about a surprise bill.

However, even if federal taxes are waived, some states still tax Social Security. Always check your state’s rules.

Social Security Payments March 26

On March 26, Social Security payments were sent to people born between the 21st and 31st of the month. Eligible people were those who had started receiving benefits after May 1997. These payments included regular monthly amounts with a little extra.

Thanks to the 2025 COLA, many recipients saw their payments go up a bit. Check your SSA account online for your payment details to know about your social security payments March 26.

Handling Late or Missing Social Security Payments

Nothing is more heartbreaking than expecting a deposit that doesn’t show up. Here are common reasons why payments are late: 

• Banking issues: Your payments may be late if you switch banks, close your account, or register incorrect account details.

• Holidays or weekends: Payments are not made during holidays or weekends. They are moved to the nearest business day.

• Processing errors: Though this is rare, SSA may delay due to verification needs.

What To Do if Your Payment Is Missing

1. Wait three business days after your scheduled date.

2. Check your bank account or Direct Express card activity.

3. Log in to your my SSA account to confirm payment details.

4. If still missing, call 1-800-772-1213 or your local SSA office.

SSA lines are busiest early in the week and early in the day. Try calling during the middle of the week or in the afternoon. There will be fewer holdups during this time. 

SSA Direct Deposit Changes in 2025

A major change is coming this year. SSA will be phasing out paper checks completely by September 30, 2025. This means those getting a physical check have to switch to direct deposit. Better still, you should demand a prepaid Direct Express card.

What’s New in 2025?

• Mandatory direct deposit: There are no more paper checks; direct deposits are used.

• Stricter ID verification: You must confirm your identity if you have made any changes. You can do this online or in person with two-factor authentication.

• More secure options: If you don’t own a bank account, use the Direct Express and Go Direct programs. 

However, it is advisable not to wait until September. Update your deposit info early to avoid missed payments.

The Bottom Line

Social Security is more than just numbers on a calendar. It's peace of mind for millions of Americans. Knowing everything it entails can make all the difference in your financial stability. Whether keeping an eye on COLA increases or double-checking your work record, a little preparation goes a long way. Social Security will continue to evolve. However, by staying informed, you’ll always be one step ahead and able to make the most of the benefits you’ve earned.

Simplify your recordkeeping and keep your earnings history accurate using our Paystub Creator. It lets you generate compliant pay stubs in minutes, so you stay organized and get every dollar you’ve earned.