Millions of Americans depend on monthly payments from Social Security to cover their everyday expenses. Whether you receive retirement, disability, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, it’s essential to know when your payment is coming and how much to expect.
In July 2025, the payment schedule varies based on your benefit type and birthday. Plus, there are some big changes on the horizon—including an important shift to electronic payments coming later this year. Here’s your complete guide to Social Security benefits in July 2025.
Schedule
The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t send payments to everyone on the same day. Your payment date depends on two key things: when you started receiving benefits and your birth date.
Here’s how the July 2025 Social Security payment schedule breaks down:
| Date | Who Gets Paid? |
|---|---|
| July 1 | SSI recipients |
| July 3 | People who started benefits before May 1997 |
| July 9 | Birthdays from 1st to 10th (Retirement/SSDI benefits) |
| July 16 | Birthdays from 11th to 20th (Retirement/SSDI benefits) |
| July 23 | Birthdays from 21st to 31st (Retirement/SSDI benefits) |
SSI is paid on the 1st of the month, while those who started benefits before May 1997 receive their payments on the 3rd. Everyone else follows the birthday-based schedule.
Benefits
Let’s look at how much money is going out in July 2025 and what you could expect:
Retirement Benefits
The average monthly benefit for retired workers in 2025 is $2,002.39. However, your actual benefit depends on your earnings record and when you decide to retire.
- Early retirement (age 62): Max $2,831/month
- Full retirement age (67): Max $4,018/month
- Delayed retirement (age 70): Max $5,108/month
The longer you wait to start benefits, the more you’ll receive monthly. Waiting until 70 can give you nearly 80% more than claiming early at 62.
SSDI Benefits
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the average payment in 2025 is about $1,581 per month. The maximum SSDI benefit is the same as the retirement maximum—$4,018—if you’ve earned the highest taxable income for at least 35 years.
Unlike SSI, SSDI eligibility is based on your work history, not your income or assets.
SSI Payments
Supplemental Security Income is for people with limited income and resources. In July 2025, the average monthly SSI payment is $718.30. About 7.4 million Americans rely on SSI each month.
If you receive both SSI and Social Security benefits, you’ll typically get your SSI on the 1st and your other benefit on the 3rd of each month.
Changes
Starting October 1, 2025, paper checks will no longer be used for any federal benefit payments, including:
- Social Security (retirement, survivors, disability)
- SSI
- SSDI
- Veterans benefits
- Tax refunds
This change comes from a 2020 executive order requiring all federal payments to be made electronically to reduce fraud and improve efficiency.
Currently, around 493,775 people still receive physical checks—about 8.7% of all recipients. If you’re one of them, you’ll need to set up direct deposit or get a Direct Express debit card before the October deadline.
Tips
To make sure you get your Social Security payment on time:
- File and update your information with SSA promptly
- Enroll in direct deposit through your My Social Security account
- Check your benefit status online before your payment date
Want to estimate your future benefits? Use the SSA’s online calculator or call their help line if you have questions.
Social Security continues to be a vital source of income for retirees, people with disabilities, and millions of families across the U.S. With changes to payment methods coming and cost-of-living adjustments likely on the horizon for 2026, staying informed is the best way to protect your benefits.
FAQs
When is my July Social Security payment?
It depends on your birthday and benefit type. See the full schedule.
How much is the average retirement benefit?
The average monthly retirement benefit is about $2,002.
Is Social Security going paperless?
Yes, all payments must be electronic by October 1, 2025.
Can I receive SSI and SSDI together?
Yes, if you qualify for both programs.
What’s the max SSDI benefit in 2025?
$4,018 per month for those with high lifetime earnings.
