If you’re 64 years old and already receiving Social Security benefits, you may be due for a $1,425.42 payment this May — but exactly when that money hits your account depends on your birthday, and how much you receive depends on when you started claiming benefits.
With millions of Americans relying on Social Security as a primary source of income, especially during retirement, knowing when your check is coming and how it’s calculated is more important than ever. Let’s break down everything 64-year-old recipients need to know this month — from payment dates to how benefit amounts are determined.
When Will the $1,425.42 Payment Be Sent Out in May?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t send payments all at once. Instead, they follow a birthdate-based payment schedule, which helps spread out distributions over the course of the month.
If you’re receiving retirement benefits and you’re 64 years old, here’s when to expect your May 2025 payment:
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If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month, your payment was scheduled for Wednesday, May 8
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If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th, your payment is set to arrive on Wednesday, May 15
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If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, your payment is due on Wednesday, May 22
However, there’s one exception. If you’ve been receiving benefits since before May 1997, you’re on a different payment track. In that case, your check should have been delivered on Friday, May 3.
Most people receive their Social Security payments via direct deposit, but some may still be using Direct Express® debit cards, or — though rare — paper checks. The SSA recommends allowing up to 3 business days after your expected date before reporting a missing payment.
Why Is the Payment $1,425.42 for 64-Year-Olds?
The $1,425.42 figure is the average Social Security retirement benefit for 64-year-olds in 2025. This amount isn’t fixed for everyone; it’s a national average and serves as a reference point for those who began collecting retirement early.
To understand how this number is calculated, you need to consider two main factors:
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When you filed for benefits: Social Security allows retirees to begin collecting as early as age 62. However, the earlier you claim, the lower your monthly benefit. For those born in 1960 (turning 64 in 2024), the full retirement age (FRA) is 66 years and 10 months. Claiming before that age results in a permanent reduction in benefits.
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Your lifetime earnings: Social Security payments are based on your highest 35 years of earnings, adjusted for inflation. If you had a higher-paying job or worked more years, your benefit will be on the upper end — possibly over $2,000 per month. If your earnings were lower or more intermittent, your benefit may fall below the average.
So, while $1,425.42 is the average for a 64-year-old, individual amounts can vary widely, even among people the same age.
Who Qualifies for This Payment?
To receive Social Security retirement benefits at 64, you must meet certain criteria:
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You’ve worked for at least 10 years (earning 40 work credits)
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You’ve paid into Social Security through payroll taxes
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You’ve applied for benefits and were approved
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You’re either:
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Already receiving monthly retirement payments
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Or you’ve turned 64 and chosen to start collecting early
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If you haven’t started collecting yet, you should know that filing at 64 locks in a reduced monthly benefit for life. The SSA calculates that reduction based on how many months before your FRA you begin drawing benefits. If you wait until FRA — or even delay until age 70 — your monthly checks will be significantly higher.
Should You File at 64 or Wait?
While $1,425.42 may be sufficient for some retirees, others might benefit from holding off. Here’s why:
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Waiting until FRA allows you to receive 100% of your earned benefit.
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Delaying past FRA (up to age 70) increases your benefit by 8% per year.
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Early retirement (before FRA) permanently reduces your benefit by roughly 0.5% for each month before FRA.
For someone turning 64 in 2025, this decision depends on personal factors like health, employment, savings, and life expectancy. If you’re still working or don’t urgently need the income, it may be worth waiting for a higher monthly check.
How to Check Your Own Benefit Amount
Even if you’re not sure of your exact benefit, the SSA provides tools to help:
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Log in to your My Social Security account at ssa.gov
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View your estimated monthly benefits at various ages
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Check your payment schedule, deposit history, and personal work record
If you’re already receiving benefits and just want to know your next payment date, it’s also listed in your account dashboard.
The Bottom Line
If you’re 64 and already receiving Social Security, expect your May 2025 payment of around $1,425.42 to arrive based on your birthday. This figure is the national average for people your age — but your actual amount depends on your unique earnings and when you started benefits.
Make sure your direct deposit info is current, and log in to SSA.gov to track your payment or report issues.
Thinking about applying for benefits at 64? It might be the right time — or it might make sense to wait. Either way, knowing your options will help you get the most out of your retirement income.
