When it comes to Social Security retirement payments, the timing of your next check depends on when you started receiving benefits, your birth date, and whether you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For many retirees, their next payment will be in either August or September, but it’s essential to understand which group you fall into to know when to expect your money.
Payment Schedule
If you began receiving Social Security retirement benefits after April 30, 1997, and your birthday falls before the 11th of the month, your next payment is due on August 14. However, if your birthday is between the 11th and 20th, you can expect your payment on August 21. This staggered schedule is designed to distribute payments more evenly throughout the month, avoiding overwhelming the system on a single payday.
Two Groups Left
Not all retirees will receive another payment in August. If you received a Social Security payment on August 2, you won’t get another retirement check this month. This situation typically applies to those who started receiving retirement benefits before May 1997. For these individuals, payments are due on the 3rd of each month, which means your next Social Security check will be on September 3, 2024.
Additionally, if you receive both Social Security and SSI, you are not eligible for the payments scheduled for August 14, 21, or 28. Your next payment date will also be September 3.
September Payment Amounts
The amount you receive from Social Security in September depends on when you filed for benefits. Here’s a quick breakdown of potential payments:
- Filed at age 70: You could receive up to $4,873 per month. Delaying your benefits until 70 maximizes your monthly payment, a strategy that can significantly boost your retirement income.
- Filed at Full Retirement Age (FRA): Depending on your birth year, your FRA is typically between 66 and 67. If you file at this age, you might receive up to $3,822 per month, a substantial amount that reflects your full benefit without reductions.
- Filed at age 62: This is the earliest you can claim Social Security, but your payments will be reduced. The maximum monthly payment for someone who files at 62 is $2,710. However, this amount is only available to those with a long history of high earnings.
While these figures represent the maximum possible payments, the average retiree receives less, as most people do not reach the taxable maximum earnings for all 35 years of their working life.
Maximizing Your Benefits
To maximize your Social Security benefits, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of how your earnings, work history, and the age at which you file for benefits affect your payments. High earners with 35 years of work, who consistently paid the maximum Social Security taxes, will receive the highest benefits. However, even if you haven’t earned the maximum, you can still improve your benefits by working longer, delaying your claim, and making sure all your earnings are accounted for in your Social Security record.
Paying attention to your earnings record and ensuring you pay Social Security taxes throughout your career is crucial for maximizing your retirement income. Small oversights in your earnings history can lead to lower payments, so it’s worth reviewing your Social Security statement regularly.
Knowing when and how much you’ll receive from Social Security can help you plan your finances more effectively as you approach retirement. Whether you’re waiting for an August check or holding out for September, knowing the details of your benefits is key to a financially secure retirement.
FAQs
When will my next Social Security payment be?
It depends on your birth date and when you started benefits. August 14 or 21 for most; September 3 for others.
Why didn’t I get a Social Security check in August?
If you received payment on August 2, your next payment is due September 3.
How much can I get if I file at 70?
The maximum payment at 70 can be up to $4,873 per month.
Will I get Social Security if I also receive SSI?
Yes, but your Social Security payment will be on September 3, not in August.
How can I maximize my Social Security benefits?
Work for at least 35 years, earn a high income, and delay filing until age 70.