March Social Security checks began arriving on the third of the month and will continue through the 31st. When your first payment arrives depends on your birthday.
Beneficiaries who filed claims after May 1, 1997, and receive retirement, disability or survivor benefits are paid on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month. If you received benefits before May 1997, you also have a specific payment date. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are distributed monthly, usually on the first day of the month.
The Social Security Administration prepares its payment schedules well in advance of checks being sent out. This ensures you receive your payments on time. For March, the recent cost of living adjustment (COLA), implemented in January, is factored in.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
That means you should see a small uptick in your monthly Social Security checks, which should have started in January. The 2.5% cost-of-living (COLA) increase added a little less than $50 to the average monthly benefit of about $1,900, according to the SSA. That’s down from a 3.2% COLA in 2024, but in line with the average 2.6% increase over the past two decades.
So, when will you see your March 2025 payment?
The March Social Security payment calendar
If you collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits, your benefit payment date is determined by your birthday. If you get auxiliary benefits on someone else’s earnings record, spousal or survivor benefits, for example, your payment date is determined by that person’s birthday, not yours.
March Social Security payment dates
These are the dates you can expect your monthly payments in March 2025:
- March 3: You will receive your Social Security payment on this date if you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), if your state pays your Medicare premiums, you live outside of the U.S., or you have been receiving Social Security since before May 1, 1997.
- March 12: You will receive your Social Security payment on the 12th, the second Wednesday of the month, if your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of your birth month.
- March 19: You should receive your Social Security payment on the third Wednesday in March if your birthday is between the 11th and the 20th of your birth month.
- March 26: If your birthday falls after the 20th of your birth month, you should get your Social Security payment on the fourth Wednesday in March.
Note: When the first day of the month falls on a weekend, your Social Security payment will go out on the last Friday of the previous month. That means that SSI recipients received their March payment on Friday, Feb. 28.
For a more detailed 2025 schedule, see our story, Social Security Payment Schedule for 2025
How to report a missing Social Security payment
If you don’t receive your electronic payments on the scheduled date, contact your bank or financial institution. Sometimes, the Social Security Administration experiences a delay in posting your payment.
If you still need help, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office.
Want more guidance on retirement savings? Sign up for Kiplinger's six-week series, Invest for Retirement.
Related Content
- The Average Social Security Check by Age
- Social Security Basics: 12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
- Boost Your Social Security Benefit Every Month You Delay
- When To Take Social Security Payments: Your Age is Key
- Retirement Calculator: How Much Do I Need to Retire?
-
Retirement Income Tax and the IRS: What Retirees Need to Know for 2025Retirement Income Several tax changes are happening that can impact how your retirement income is taxed at federal and state levels.
-
Adobe Stock's Path to a 100,000% Return Is ImpressiveA little bit of luck and a lot of strategic decision-making has created a massive return for Adobe shareholders.
-
Retire Abroad Where 'The White Lotus' Was FilmedThis lush locale is the perfect setting for 'The White Lotus,' season three. You can retire there peacefully without the hit show's murder and mayhem.
-
High-Net-Worth Individuals and Estate Planning Under TrumpWe don't know what’s going to happen with taxes. Keeping an eye on these issues is imperative so you can make the appropriate moves at the right time.
-
Preparing for an Inheritance: Don't Let Your Blessing Become a CurseA few practical steps, such as establishing your financial independence and asking questions, can help you avoid inheritance pitfalls.
-
How to Invest Like the Rich (and Pay Zero Taxes on Gains)The wealthy favor private equity and credit (and private placement life insurance) for higher returns with no taxes. If you're worth $1 million, you can, too.
-
Listed: Three Homes for Retiring in Portland, MaineThree real estate listings in Portland, Maine.
-
The Golden Window: A Top Tax Strategy for the Right RetireesMaximize your retirement savings and minimize your tax burdens by taking advantage of the strategic 'Golden Window' before Social Security and RMDs begin.
-
Roth or Traditional? Seven Considerations for High EarnersRetirement savings and taxes are a minefield — and the higher your income, the more complicated the options. Use these tips to find your way forward.
-
The Social Security Fairness Act: Good News for Retirees?Millions will be affected by new rules that boost Social Security benefits. But if you qualify, there may be knock-on effects on your retirement cash flow.
