For those who rely on Social Security benefits, regular payments are a must. While it can be tough these days to keep up with all the new policies and changes impacting beneficiaries, the payment schedule thankfully has been consistent. Even so, you may be wondering when you can expect to receive your monthly benefits to be able to map out your budget. Keep reading to find out more about when Social Security payments are being sent out in July 2025, plus what changes have been made to Social Security so far this year.
When are Social Security payments sent?
Payments for Social Security follow a specific schedule, but because there are so many beneficiaries, payments are staggered. For example, older and retired adults receive benefits on Wednesdays throughout the month, with their birth date determining which week.
According to the Social Security Administration Payment Calendar for 2025, benefits are paid on the:
- Second Wednesday for those born on the 1st through the 10th
- Third Wednesday for those born on the 11th through the 20th
- Fourth Wednesday for those born on the 21st through the 31st
There are exceptions to this payment schedule, however. For example, Americans who started receiving Social Security benefits (retirement, spousal or survivor ) before May 1997 or those who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are paid Social Security checks on the third of each month. (SSI benefits are paid on the first).
SSI was created to help those in need, specifically people who have little or no income, have a disability, are blind or are age 65 or older. (Note: Citizens ages 65 or older don’t need a disability to qualify.) It’s also usually for individuals who earn less than $2,019 from work each month or have less than $2,000 (for singles) or $3,000 (for couples) worth of resources available. Social Security, on the other hand, is solely based on earnings and has no income limit.
When will I receive my Social Security benefits for July?
Knowing when to expect your check can make it easier to plan out your monthly budget for bills, groceries and other expenses.
Here is when benefits are scheduled to be paid in July:
- Tuesday, July 1: SSI payments
- Thursday, July 3: Benefits for retirees born before 1997 and those who also receive SSI payments
- Wednesday, July 9: Those born between 1st and the 10th
- Wednesday, July 16: Those born between the 11th and the 20th
- Wednesday, July 23: Those born between the 21st and the 31st
Recent Social Security changes impacting beneficiaries
While the benefits schedule has stayed the same this year, the Social Security Administration program has undergone several changes already in the first six months of the year.
One of these adjustments was the raising of the full retirement age (FRA) as determined by previous legislation that sets the gradual phase-in. Now anyone born in 1960 or later cannot enjoy the full FRA benefits until the age of 67. Even if someone turns 65 this year (the prior FRA), they must wait another two years to be eligible.
It was also announced this spring that the agency would be focusing on taking back money if you were overpaid in benefits in the past. Instead of the previous 10 percent rate, the new policy allows for 100 percent of a beneficiary’s monthly check to be withheld until the money is recovered. This applies to anyone who is overpaid after March 27, 2025.
However, beneficiaries can request a waiver or lower rate if they cannot afford to have 100 percent of their benefits withheld.
One change putting more money back into pockets: Some retired public workers have seen increased monthly benefits thanks to the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law on January 5.
There’s a rush in the agency to get these benefits sorted out, but it’s actually causing other problems. Since the Social Security Fairness Act cases are reportedly being prioritized, other beneficiaries are having their concerns and issues put on the back burner this summer. Once the cases related to the Fairness Act are resolved, employees are expected to have more time to help everyone else.
