If you’re expecting a Social Security check this month, here’s something you don’t want to miss: the first round of July payments is being deposited this week, and for a select group of retirees, it could be a massive $5,108 check — the largest monthly benefit Social Security offers in 2025. But before you get too excited, not everyone qualifies for that amount. We’re breaking down exactly who gets paid, how much, and when you can expect your deposit to hit.
Why Some People Are Getting $5,108 This Week
Let’s clear something up right away: not everyone is getting $5,108. That’s the maximum possible Social Security benefit in 2025, and it’s only going to a small group of people who meet very specific criteria. To get that top-dollar check, a person must have:
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Worked at least 35 years while paying into Social Security
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Earned the maximum taxable income in each of those years (in 2025, that’s $168,600)
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Waited until age 70 to claim their Social Security benefits
These individuals often had high-paying jobs and waited as long as possible to file, allowing their monthly checks to grow thanks to delayed retirement credits (up to an 8% boost per year after full retirement age).
Most retirees, however, receive much less. The average monthly benefit in 2025 is about $1,907, and those who claimed at 62 get even less. But even if you’re not hitting the max, there’s still good news — your check may be slightly higher than last year thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment.
When Will You Get Your Payment?
Social Security payments aren’t sent to everyone at once. Instead, the Social Security Administration (SSA) pays beneficiaries according to their birth dates. Here’s the July 2025 payout schedule:
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If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th, your check goes out Wednesday, July 10
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If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th, you’ll be paid on Wednesday, July 17
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If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st, expect your deposit on Wednesday, July 24
These dates apply to those receiving retirement benefits, survivor benefits, or SSDI (disability benefits). If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment already went out on Monday, July 1.
What’s New with 2025 Benefits?
This year’s checks include the 3.2% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that kicked in back in January. The COLA is designed to help Social Security recipients keep up with inflation. But let’s be real — with food, rent, and healthcare costs continuing to rise, many seniors say the boost barely covers the essentials.
Still, it’s better than nothing — and if you’ve been receiving benefits for a while, you likely saw a modest increase in your check this year compared to 2024.
Also, higher Medicare premiums may be cutting into your take-home amount, even if your gross benefit went up. That’s why your actual deposit might seem smaller than expected.
What to Do If You Don’t See Your Payment
Missed payment? Don’t panic just yet. Follow these steps:
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Wait at least 3 business days after your scheduled payment date
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Log into your My Social Security account online to check for delays or issues
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If nothing’s posted, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to report a missing payment
Make sure your banking details and mailing address are current to avoid future issues.
The Bottom Line
July’s first wave of Social Security payments is rolling out, and for a small but fortunate group, that could mean a $5,108 deposit — the biggest check the SSA offers this year. While most recipients won’t see that high amount, knowing your exact payment date and benefit breakdown can help you stay on top of your retirement finances.
Whether you’re already collecting benefits or planning for the future, understanding how your Social Security is calculated — and what you can do to maximize it — is more important than ever.
