On July 3, 2025, a particular segment of Social Security beneficiaries will receive their long-awaited monthly payments. While most retirees and survivors already received their funds last month, this group, defined by historical criteria and personal circumstances, awaits their turn this Thursday.
According to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) official calendar, the date applies to those who meet one of three conditions: retirees and survivor beneficiaries (widows, widowers, or eligible children) who filed claims before May 1997; people who receive both retirement benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments; and beneficiaries who permanently reside abroad.
Why are Social Security payments due on July 3?
The reason for this specific date lies in the evolution of the payment system. Before May 1997, all retirement and survivor’s pension payments were made on the third day of each month, without distinction.
The implementation of a new system starting that date, in response to the increased number of people in the program, introduced a staggered schedule based on birthdates for new beneficiaries, but did not alter the cycle for those already in the system.
Thus, this “historical” group, along with those who receive complex combinations of benefits (Retirement + SSI) or live outside the U.S., maintain the 3rd of each month as their fixed payment date. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, as almost always happened this month (the 3rd is a Thursday, after the July 4th holiday), the payment is moved up to the previous business day.
Other payment dates for July 2025
The vast majority of retirees and survivor beneficiaries who filed claims after May 1997 follow a different payment schedule, determined by their date of birth. For July 2025, these are the three dates established by the SSA.
Beneficiaries whose birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month will receive their July payment on Wednesday, July 9. Those born between the 11th and 20th will see their funds credited on Wednesday, July 16.
Finally, those whose birthdays are between the 21st and 31st will receive their July payment on Wednesday, July 23. This tiered system allows the SSA to manage the enormous volume of transactions more efficiently throughout the month.
Maximum and average payments for Social Security benefits
The payments arriving this Thursday reflect the 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) implemented for 2025. For retirees, the amounts vary significantly depending on retirement age and previous income. The maximum possible monthly benefit for a retiree who waited until age 70 to claim reaches $5,108 in 2025.
This record amount is the result of years of high-income work and the decision to delay retirement to maximize benefits. In stark contrast, the average monthly benefit for all retirees stands at $1,917. This average includes those who retired before or after their full retirement age and with different contribution histories.
For survivor beneficiaries, the amounts depend on their relationship to the deceased and their base benefit; a widow or widower can receive up to 100% of their spouse’s benefit, if it was greater than their own, also subject to the family maximum.