Today marks a significant day for many Social Security recipients in the United States, with checks worth up to thousands of dollars being sent out to select individuals, delivering more cash than they’ve received before.
Approximately 72.5 million Americans rely on Social Security as their primary source of income, and every Wednesday, certain groups receive direct payments. This routine schedule ensures that eligible individuals, including retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers, receive their monthly benefits.
For those eligible, monthly payments can reach as high as $5,108, depending on their individual circumstances.
When Will You Receive Your Payment?
The exact date for receiving Social Security payments depends on the recipient’s birth date. Those born between the 1st and 10th of the month receive their payments on the second Wednesday, while those born between the 11th and 20th get their checks on the third Wednesday. Finally, recipients born between the 21st and 31st will receive their payments on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
For January 22, 2025, which is the fourth Wednesday of the month, those born between the 21st and 31st will receive their checks today.
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Increase in Benefits
While most recipients may not reach the full $5,108, there is still a significant increase in the amount they are receiving this month. Thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which helps offset inflation, the payments will be higher than those received in January 2024.
The COLA is determined annually in October for the following year, and for 2025, a 2.5% increase was set. While this is the smallest COLA hike in four years, it still represents an extra $235 for individuals who reached the maximum benefit of $4,873 in 2024, bringing their new monthly payment to $5,108.
For those born between the 21st and 31st of the month, today’s payment will include this new 2.5% COLA increase, marking the first time they’ll receive the higher amount in 2025.
Recipients can also find a full payment schedule for the year on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Updates
Americans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see their payments increase as well. For January 2025, SSI recipients will receive $967, up from $943 in 2024. This new payment amount will arrive on January 31.
The increase follows a COLA adjustment, and recipients were also able to benefit from a $967 payment on December 31, 2024, due to how the calendar dates fell, with New Year’s Day falling on a federal holiday.
Overpayment Concerns
While many Americans are receiving their Social Security and SSI benefits, some are facing unexpected obstacles related to overpayments. These overpayment issues have led to individuals being asked to repay thousands of dollars to the SSA.
One individual, for instance, was told to pay back around $18,000 after being deemed “no longer eligible” for benefits. In another case, a person found themselves owing the SSA $100,000, accumulated over ten years without their knowledge. In a particularly shocking instance, a woman was hit with an unexpected $63,000 bill.
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According to an attorney, overpayments are a significant issue, with Americans collectively owing around $9 billion each year due to these errors.
In conclusion, while January 22, 2025, brings much-needed increases in Social Security payments, recipients should be vigilant about overpayment notices, which continue to affect many Americans. The SSA encourages individuals to regularly check their accounts and stay informed about their benefits to avoid surprises.
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