Millions of Americans will see their Social Security benefits deposited this week, with some recipients receiving as much as $5,108 the maximum monthly retirement payment available in 2025. While only a small share of retirees qualify for the highest benefit, the distribution schedule affects a broad swath of Social Security beneficiaries across the country.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues payments on a staggered schedule each month, and August is no exception. Here’s how the timetable works, who gets paid this week, and why some recipients will collect more than $5,000 in a single deposit.
August 2025 Payment Schedule
| Payment Date | Birthdate Range / Program | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, August 13 | 1st–10th of any month | Regular Social Security |
| Wednesday, August 20 | 11th–20th of any month | Regular Social Security |
| Wednesday, August 27 | 21st–31st of any month | Regular Social Security |
| Friday, August 29 | SSI recipients | Early payment due to Labor Day (1st sep) |
A full official payment calendar can be found on the SSA Payment Schedule (PDF).
Why Some People Get $5,108 a Month
The $5,108 figure represents the maximum monthly retirement benefit in 2025. This amount is reserved for individuals who:
- Have worked and paid into Social Security for at least 35 years
- Earned income at or above the Social Security taxable maximum for most of those years
- Waited until age 70 to claim their benefits
Delaying benefits beyond the full retirement age (FRA) increases the monthly payment through delayed retirement credits, which add up to an 8% boost per year until age 70.
For more on how benefits are calculated, see the SSA’s Retirement Benefits Planner.
What the Average Recipient Gets
While $5,108 grabs headlines, most recipients receive far less. As of June 2025, the average monthly Social Security benefit was $2,005.05 or about $24,000 annually before taxes.
These averages vary widely depending on lifetime earnings, the age at which benefits are claimed, and whether the recipient is retired, disabled, or a survivor beneficiary.
COLA Adjustment Coming in 2026
Social Security benefits are adjusted annually for inflation through the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The COLA is announced each October and applied in January.
For 2026, the Senior Citizen League estimates a 2.6% COLA, slightly higher than the 2.5% increase that took effect in January 2025. This means payments could rise modestly next year, though the final figure depends on inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To track official updates, visit the SSA COLA Information Page.
SSI and Social Security: How They Differ
The August 29 payment date applies to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, a program distinct from retirement and disability benefits. SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities, as well as to people 65 and older with limited income and resources.
Eligibility is based on financial need, and payments can be received in addition to Social Security retirement or disability benefits in certain cases. More details are available on the SSI Program Overview.
How to Check Your Payment Status
The SSA encourages beneficiaries to set up an online account through my Social Security. With an account, recipients can:
- View scheduled payment dates
- Review benefit amounts
- Update banking and contact information
- Request replacement SSA documents
Tips to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits
Not everyone can receive the maximum $5,108, but strategies can help boost lifetime benefits:
- Delay claiming until age 70 if financially possible
- Work at least 35 years to avoid $0 years in your calculation
- Verify your earnings record is correct with the SSA
- Factor in the tax implications of your benefits
The SSA provides a Retirement Estimator to calculate potential benefits based on personal earnings history.
Final thought
Social Security remains the financial foundation for millions of retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors. While only a fraction will see $5,108 deposited this week, every beneficiary benefits from steady monthly payments and annual COLA increases that help offset inflation.
With payments being distributed this week according to the SSA’s staggered schedule and SSI payments arriving early due to Labor Day it’s an ideal time for recipients to review their accounts, confirm their deposit dates, and ensure their contact and bank information are up to date.
Nand Kishor is a content writer covering business, economy, and world affairs. With a background in journalism, he focuses on clear, ethical, and insightful reporting. Outside of work, he enjoys chess, cricket, and writing short stories.
