Every month, millions of Americans rely on payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help manage their living expenses. Most of these beneficiaries are retirees who depend heavily—sometimes entirely—on their monthly SSA income. For some recipients, this July will bring an even bigger financial boost, with payments reaching up to $5,108 for eligible individuals.
Schedule
The SSA follows a predictable payment schedule, which helps retirees and other beneficiaries budget their monthly expenses with confidence. When you receive your check depends on three key factors: your birthdate, the specific SSA program you’re enrolled in, and whether you receive benefits from multiple programs.
Here’s the typical monthly payment calendar:
| Birthdate Range | Payment Date (Wednesday) |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th of the month | July 9 |
| 11th–20th of the month | July 16 |
| 21st–31st of the month | July 23 |
If you receive Supplementary Security Income (SSI), your payment comes on the 1st of each month. But if you also receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits—or if you began receiving any SSA benefit before May 1997—you’ll get your payment on the 3rd of the month instead.
This system keeps things organized and ensures no overlap in deposit dates.
Amounts
So, who actually qualifies for the maximum Social Security benefit of $5,108 per month? It’s not for everyone—but if you’ve worked long and earned a high income while paying SSA taxes, you could be eligible.
Here’s what you need to hit that maximum:
- You’ve worked for at least 35 years
- You’ve earned at least 40 work credits
- You waited to claim benefits until turning 70
Although you can start collecting benefits as early as age 62, delaying your claim until age 70 gives you a significant increase in your monthly payments. Think of it as a reward for waiting—an extra boost that could make a major difference in your retirement.
Increases
This year, some SSA recipients are noticing a surprising increase in their payments—but it has nothing to do with the usual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). These increases are thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law in January.
This new law repealed two controversial policies: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These rules had reduced SSA benefits for certain individuals—mainly public-sector workers like teachers and firefighters—who also received a pension not covered by SSA taxes.
Now that these two provisions are gone, affected beneficiaries are receiving higher monthly payments. And here’s the bonus: retroactive payments all the way back to January 2024 are being distributed to eligible recipients.
Impact
With the repeal of WEP and GPO, individuals who previously received reduced Social Security benefits—such as widows, widowers, and spouses—will now get the full amounts they’re owed. This can make a huge financial difference, especially for retirees living on fixed incomes.
So, whether you’re expecting your regular check or a larger-than-usual one due to the new law, it’s a good time to check your payment date and verify how much you’ll be receiving.
FAQs
Who gets the $5,108 SSA payment?
Those who worked 35+ years, earned max credits, and claimed at 70.
When are SSA payments sent in July?
July 9, 16, or 23—depending on your birthdate.
What changed with the Fairness Act?
It repealed WEP and GPO, increasing benefits for some.
When do SSI-only recipients get paid?
On the 1st of each month.
Can I still get back pay from WEP repeal?
Yes, retroactive payments go back to January 2024.
