This week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will distribute payments for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and retirement benefits. These payments are vital for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security as a primary source of financial support.
The distribution process is part of the ongoing efforts by the SSA to provide consistent assistance to individuals, especially those in retirement or with disabilities.
According to a spokesperson from Newsweek, the average Social Security benefit amount fluctuates monthly due to changes in wage data and other economic factors, which impacts the amounts received by beneficiaries each month.
What To Know About This Week’s Payments
Millions of Americans depend on Social Security benefits, such as retirement checks and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). On Friday, August 1, the SSA will issue payments to SSI recipients, retirees who began receiving benefits before May 1997, and those collecting both retirement and SSI benefits.
After the August 1 payment, the SSA will continue to make payments throughout the month, including:
- Wednesday, August 13: Payments for retirees, spouses, and survivors born between the 1st and 10th of any calendar month.
- Wednesday, August 20: Payments for those born between the 11th and 20th.
- Wednesday, August 27: Payments for those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st.
- Friday, August 29: SSI payments, which are typically due at the beginning of September but will be sent early due to Labor Day.
How Much Can Social Security Beneficiaries Receive?
As of May 2025, the average Social Security check is approximately $2,002.39, although the amount changes monthly.
The average Social Security benefit amount changes monthly – an agency spokesperson told Newsweek.
As wages tend to rise over time, each new group of retirees raises the average benefit amount, since their benefit calculations typically reflect higher earnings.
In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit for someone retiring at the full retirement age of 67 is $4,018. For someone retiring early at 62, the maximum benefit drops to $2,831, while waiting until age 70 could increase the benefit to as much as $5,108 per month. On the other hand, SSI recipients typically receive an average of $718.30. SSI amounts are based on a person’s income and available resources.
Concerns From Seniors About Social Security
According to a report by the Senior Citizen’s League, a significant number of seniors express frustration with the current state of Social Security. Only 10% of beneficiaries report satisfaction with their benefits, while a vast majority, 63%, are dissatisfied.
Furthermore, many seniors are advocating for changes to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), arguing that the current formula fails to reflect the rising living costs faced by older Americans. In a recent poll, 34% of respondents said updating the COLA formula should be a top priority for improving Social Security benefits.
