Good News for Retirees Born Late in the Month: If you’re a retiree whose birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has some great news for you. Based on the SSA’s staggered payment schedule and the latest updates in retirement benefits, eligible retirees could receive up to $5,180 in monthly Social Security payments, depending on their earnings history and the age at which they claim benefits.
This exciting development, driven by delayed retirement credits, cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), and legislative changes, offers a significant income opportunity for those born late in the month. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how the system works, what factors influence your benefit amount, and how you can take proactive steps to get the highest possible Social Security payout. This isn’t just helpful—it’s essential retirement planning information that could make a real difference in your monthly income.
Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or you’re already receiving benefits, understanding these details will help you make smarter, more informed decisions about your financial future.
For retirees born between the 21st and 31st, the wait for your Social Security check each month might be slightly longer—but the potential reward is enormous. Thanks to delayed retirement credits, inflation adjustments, and the repeal of punitive provisions like WEP and GPO, your benefits could soar as high as $5,180 per month.
Use this information to make empowered decisions: verify your records, plan your claiming strategy, and stay informed on changes to Social Security law. Your retirement is too important to leave to chance—and every smart move you make now could result in thousands more in benefits over your lifetime.
Good News for Retirees Born Late in the Month
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Monthly Benefit | Up to $5,180 (if claiming at age 70) |
| Payment Date | Fourth Wednesday of the month |
| Eligible Birthdates | 21st through 31st of any month |
| Average Benefit (2025) | $1,907 for new retirees (SSA estimate) |
| COLA Increase (2025) | 3.2% adjustment effective January 2025 |
| Legislative Update | WEP/GPO repealed via Social Security Fairness Act 2023 |
| Official SSA Website | ssa.gov |
Social Security Payment Schedule
The SSA doesn’t distribute retirement benefits to everyone at the same time. Instead, it spreads out payments across the month to better manage its resources and ensure reliable delivery for all beneficiaries. This is done based on your birthdate:
- 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday of each month
- 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday
- 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
So if your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, your Social Security check will typically arrive on the fourth Wednesday—such as March 26, April 23, or May 28 in 2025. It’s important to plan your monthly budget accordingly so you can cover essential expenses until your payment arrives.
Direct deposit is highly recommended. It’s the fastest, most secure method of receiving your Social Security payments. With direct deposit, funds are typically available early in the morning on the scheduled payment day.
How You Can Receive Up to $5,180
The maximum Social Security benefit for retirees in 2025 is projected to be $4,873 for individuals who begin collecting at full retirement age (FRA)—either age 66 or 67 depending on your year of birth. However, if you delay claiming your benefits until age 70, your payment is boosted by delayed retirement credits, increasing your monthly payout by up to 8% annually after FRA.
With these credits factored in, retirees could receive as much as $5,180 per month in 2025. To qualify for the maximum amount, you must:
- Have worked at least 35 years, consistently earning at or above the maximum taxable earnings cap (which is $176,100 in 2025)
- Delay collecting benefits until age 70
- Not have deductions due to government pension offsets (which were repealed in 2023)
This means your benefit could be thousands of dollars higher annually, simply by postponing retirement and maximizing your earnings.
Factors That Influence Your Social Security Benefit
Several factors determine your monthly Social Security benefit. Understanding these elements can help you make smart financial decisions that increase your income:
Lifetime Earnings
The SSA calculates your benefit based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you worked fewer years, the SSA fills in the blanks with zero-income years, lowering your average and your benefit.
Claiming Age
- Age 62: You’ll receive only 70–75% of your full benefit
- Full Retirement Age (66–67): You’ll receive 100% of your calculated benefit
- Age 70: You’ll receive up to 132% of your full benefit due to delayed retirement credits
COLA Adjustments
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) helps protect your benefits from inflation. In 2025, benefits rose 3.2%—increasing the average check by about $59 per month. COLAs are crucial in long-term retirement income planning.
For annual updates, check the SSA COLA page.
Recent Legislative Changes: Big Wins for Retirees
In a major development, Congress passed the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These two provisions previously reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for people who worked in non-covered government jobs (like teachers or law enforcement).
With the repeal, many public sector retirees now see full Social Security benefits restored—sometimes increasing monthly payments by as much as $1,190.
This change is especially impactful for dual-income households and those with pensions, creating a significant increase in total monthly income.
For further reading, visit The Sun’s report.
Good News for Retirees Born Late in the Month Maximize Your Monthly Benefit
Want to increase your Social Security check? These actionable tips will help:
1. Work at Least 35 Years
Every additional year of high earnings can replace a lower- or zero-income year in your benefit formula.
2. Wait to Claim Benefits
If possible, delay claiming until age 70 to take advantage of delayed retirement credits. The longer you wait (up to 70), the more you receive.
3. Coordinate with Your Spouse
You can use spousal strategies to maximize household benefits. For example, one spouse may claim early while the other delays.
4. Check Your Earnings Record Regularly
Log into your my Social Security account annually to verify your income record is accurate.
5. Understand Tax Implications
Depending on your total retirement income, a portion of your benefits could be taxable. Plan accordingly by consulting a tax advisor.
Common Mistakes That Reduce Your Benefits
Avoid these errors that can cost you thousands over time:
- Claiming too early without a strategy
- Ignoring the impact of working while claiming before FRA
- Failing to update SSA about marital or income status changes
- Not reviewing your annual SSA earnings statement for errors
- Missing out on spousal or survivor benefits
Making informed decisions now can result in significantly higher benefits over your retirement years.
FAQs
Q1: I was born on the 25th. When will I receive my payment?
You’ll get your Social Security payment on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Q2: Who qualifies for the $5,180 maximum benefit?
Only those who had very high earnings for 35 years, delayed retirement to age 70, and paid the maximum Social Security taxes.
Q3: How do delayed retirement credits work?
For each year you wait past FRA up to age 70, you earn about 8% extra per year in benefits.
Q4: Will my benefits increase with the repeal of WEP/GPO?
If you were affected by these provisions due to a non-covered pension, yes—your benefits may increase substantially.
Q5: Is it true that COLAs can go down?
COLAs are designed to increase or stay the same. A negative COLA is very rare and hasn’t happened since automatic adjustments began in 1975.
Upcoming Social Security Payment Dates (2025)
| Birthdate Range | April Payment Date | May Payment Date | June Payment Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st–10th | April 9 | May 14 | June 11 |
| 11th–20th | April 16 | May 21 | June 18 |
| 21st–31st | April 23 | May 28 | June 25 |
