February is here and, with it, the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States is starting to send out new payments for retirees and people with other types of benefits. The good news? We already know the official dates, so planning the month’s finances will be much easier. Below, we tell you the calendar of payments, the maximum amounts that beneficiaries can receive and some tips so that you don’t miss any of the deposits.
Social Security calendar for February 2025
As every month, the SSA organizes Social Security payments according to the beneficiaries’ retirement date and birthday. In total, there are four main groups, as well as a fifth payment for those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The dates to keep in mind are as follows:
- February 3
- Payment for pensioners in group 1, that is, those who have been receiving checks since before May 1997.
- February 12
- Deposit for group 2, made up of pensioners after May 1997 whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- February 19
- Check sent to group 3, made up of beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and the 20th, also after May 1997.
- February 26
- Payment to group 4, which includes retirees with a retirement date after May 1997, whose birthdays are between the 21st and the 31st.
- February 28
- Advance payment of SSI for the month of March. This only applies to beneficiaries enrolled in the Supplemental Security Income program.
With this calendar in hand, pensioners can organize their fixed expenses, such as rent, utilities, and food, without any surprises. In addition, it is essential to keep in mind that the SSA makes these deposits on the same date every month.
Maximum retirement amounts and types
As far as the amounts of the checks are concerned, most beneficiaries will see in payments (February) amounts similar to those of January 2025. However, there are maximum limits depending on the type of retirement or benefit:
- Full retirement (67 years): up to $4,018 per month.
- Late retirement (70 years): the figure can reach $5,180 per month.
- Disability retirement (SSDI): the limits may vary, although in many cases they coincide with the amounts of retirement for full age.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income): the amount differs according to each individual’s income and assets, but in 2025 it will also undergo a cost of living adjustment.
If in January you received, for example, $1,500, it is very likely that the February check will be the same amount, unless you have updated your personal situation (change in income, marital status, etc.) or some additional benefit applies.
COLA 2025: 3.2% increase for inflation adjustment
As part of the SSA’s measures to compensate for inflation, this year there will be a 3.2% increase in payments for all Social Security programs, including retirement, disability, SSI and also VA (Veterans benefits). This increase, announced at the end of December, is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) and seeks to protect the purchasing power of beneficiaries.
To find out exactly how much your check has increased, the Administration recommends checking your account online through the official “my Social Security” platform, where the new total amount after COLA is detailed.
How to change the payment method
Sometimes retirees want to switch from a physical check to a direct deposit (or vice versa). To make this change, the fastest way is through your SSA online account:
- Log in to my Social Security with your username and password.
- Within the platform, look for the section “Direct Deposit Information” or “Direct Deposit”.
- Enter the details of your new bank account (routing number and account number).
- Save the changes and confirm that they have been updated correctly.
If you do not have internet access, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or go to a local Social Security office to make the change in person.
Recommendations for the month of February
- Check the calendar: Make sure you know exactly which group you are in to avoid confusion with the payment date.
- Check your online account: If you already have a my Social Security user account, make sure your personal and banking information is up to date, especially after the new COLA adjustment.
- Plan your expenses: With your payment date confirmed, make a budget that prioritizes needs such as rent, basic services, and food.
- Be aware of holidays: Take into account the non-working days in February, because if your payment falls on a holiday or weekend, there may be a slight delay, although the SSA tries to schedule deposits on business days.
- Do not share sensitive information: Avoid fraud and identity theft by not disclosing your bank details or Social Security number to untrustworthy third parties.
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