The over 71 million Americans who receive Social Security payments will do so on schedule. However, these payments may be significantly smaller beginning later in July.
Here’s what to know about this month’s Social Security benefits.
Why is my Social Security check smaller? What to know about Social Security repayments
Those who have been overpaid by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and haven’t begun the repayment process may see their monthly benefits shrink starting this month. The SSA is expected to begin withholding 50% of monthly benefits from individuals with outstanding overpayments beginning in late July 2025. This marks a new phase in the agency’s effort to recover billions in accidental overpayments.
While the SSA hasn’t publicly confirmed how many beneficiaries are affected, records obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request show the agency attempted to reclaim overpayments from about 2 million people in the fiscal year ending September 2023, according to KFF and Cox Media Group.
If you received more money than you were entitled to through Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and haven’t arranged a repayment plan, your benefits could be reduced by half starting in July. This applies even if the overpayment wasn’t your fault.
Under its new policies, the SSA said it would begin issuing overpayment notices on April 25, 2025 and would start withholding 50% of the recipient’s benefits after about 90 days (or approximately July 24, at the earliest), until the overpayment is repaid.
Waiver and repayment information is available on the SSA website.
When will I get my July 2025 Social Security direct deposit? See disability payment schedule
The Social Security Administration’s yearly distribution schedules for 2025 and 2026 are available online so that you can use the calendar for budgeting purposes.
Regular Social Security retirement benefits are being sent out on the SSA’s schedule, with the first July payment arriving earlier than in May and June:
SSI payment schedule 2025
Those who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) should have received their July 2025 payment on July 1. The Social Security Administration suggests that if you don’t receive your payment on the expected date, allow three additional mailing days before contacting the agency; most arrive timely because 99% of beneficiaries are paid electronically.
Because Aug. 1 falls on a weekday, there will only be one payment made in July — unlike February and May, when two checks were issued.
For months when the first of the month falls on a federal holiday or a weekend, SSI benefits are issued early. Recipients will also get two checks in August (none in September), October (none in November) and December (none in January 2026). SSI checks will be sent out on the following dates remaining in 2025, according to the SSA calendar:
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income provides monthly benefits to those with limited income or resources who are 65 or older, blind or have a qualifying disability. Children with a qualifying disability can also get SSI, according to the SSA’s website.
In general, adults who qualify for SSI do not have monthly wages above $2,019.
Those who may be eligible for SSI can begin the application process online, in person at their local Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.
What is the Social Security full retirement age for 2025?
The full, or “normal,” retirement age has gradually increased in recent years, rising by two months for each successive birth year. For example, if you were born in 1958, your full retirement age is 66 years and 8 months, while those born in 1959 will reach it at 66 years and 10 months.
According to the SSA, individuals born between May 2, 1958 and February 28, 1959, will reach their full retirement age in 2025. For those born in 1960 and later, the full retirement age will increase to 67.
Can people under the retirement age get their benefits now?
Yes, but there are consequences for tapping in too early. Workers can choose to receive benefits as early as age 62, though at a reduced amount. However, those who delay claiming benefits until age 70 are rewarded with a higher monthly payout.
Other changes to Social Security in 2025 include a smaller cost-of-living adjustment (2.5%, down from 3.4%), an increase in the maximum taxable earnings limit from $168,000 to $176,100, and expanded appointment-based services at Social Security offices nationwide.
What is the maximum Social Security benefit in 2025?
In 2024, the highest Social Security benefit for individuals retiring at full retirement age was $3,822 per month, according to the SSA. Due to certain inflation adjustments in how Social Security is calculated and how past earnings are adjusted for inflation, this maximum benefit will rise to $4,018 per month, totaling over $48,000 annually in 2025.
Social Security office near me
— USA TODAY’s Victoria E. Freile contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When will I get my July 2025 Social Security payment? Why this check may be smaller
Reporting by Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
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