You may see headlines claiming a $4,983 direct deposit is coming this month. While that sounds appealing, the real maximum Social Security retirement benefit in 2025 is $5,108 per month—but it’s only available to a small group of retirees. This top payout applies to individuals who claimed benefits at age 70 after a lifetime of earnings at or near the maximum-taxable limit.
August 2025 Payment Schedule
Social Security follows a staggered payment schedule based on your birth date, with special rules for those on benefits before May 1997. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follows its own schedule
SSI Payments: August 1 and August 29 (the second date is an early payment for September because September 1 is Labor Day).
Social Security (on benefits before May 1997 or receiving both SS + SSI): August 3.
Social Security – Birthdays 1–10: August 13 (second Wednesday).
Social Security – Birthdays 11–20: August 20 (third Wednesday).
Social Security – Birthdays 21–31: August 27 (fourth Wednesday).
Tip: If your payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, wait three business days before contacting your bank or the Social Security Administration (SSA).
August 2025 at a Glance
| Benefit Type | Who Gets Paid | Date(s) | How Date is Decided |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI | SSI recipients | Aug 1, Aug 29 | SSI pays on the 1st; extra payment in August when next month’s 1st is a weekend/holiday |
| Social Security (Pre-May 1997) | Retirees, survivors, SSDI | Aug 3 | Paid on the 3rd |
| Social Security – Birthdays 1–10 | Most retirees/SSDI | Aug 13 | Second Wednesday |
| Social Security – Birthdays 11–20 | Most retirees/SSDI | Aug 20 | Third Wednesday |
| Social Security – Birthdays 21–31 | Most retirees/SSDI | Aug 27 | Fourth Wednesday |
Who Actually Gets the Maximum Check?
Only a small share of retirees see the full $5,108 in August 2025. To qualify, you must:
- Have 35 years of earnings at or near the maximum-taxable wage base.
- Delay claiming until age 70 to get delayed retirement credits.
For perspective, the average retired-worker benefit in 2025 is about $1,976—less than 40% of the maximum.
How COLA Boosted 2025 Benefits
The 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increased Social Security payments, raising the age-70 maximum from $4,873 in 2024 to $5,108 in 2025.
For SSI, the federal maximums in 2025 are now $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 per month for an eligible couple.
Ensuring You’re Eligible for August Payments
You will receive your August 2025 Social Security or SSI payment if you:
- Are entitled to benefits in August.
- Have direct deposit or a Direct Express® card in place.
- Meet all SSA eligibility and identity requirements.
Use your my Social Security account to confirm your payment amount and deposit date.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
If your payment hasn’t arrived:
- Check the scheduled date for your benefit.
- Wait three business days after the due date.
- Contact your bank first, then the SSA if necessary.
The Bottom Line
The widely circulated $4,983 figure is misleading for 2025. The actual maximum Social Security payment this August is $5,108, reserved for long-time high earners who delayed claiming until age 70. Most retirees will receive their standard amount based on their work history, with SSI recipients getting two deposits this month—August 1 and August 29.
Checking your my Social Security account remains the best way to know exactly how much you’ll receive and when.
FAQs
Q1: Is the $4,983 August payment real?
No. The maximum benefit in August 2025 is $5,108, and only certain high earners who delayed claiming to age 70 qualify.
Q2: Why do some people get two SSI payments in August?
When the first of the next month falls on a weekend or holiday (September 1 is Labor Day), SSI pays the next month’s benefit early—resulting in two payments in August.
Q3: What are the 2025 SSI maximums?
$967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for an eligible couple, before any state supplements.
Q4: How are Social Security payment dates determined?
For most, it’s based on your birth date—second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month. Those on benefits before May 1997 are paid on the 3rd.
Q5: What should I do if my August payment is late?
Wait three business days past the scheduled date, then contact your bank first and the SSA if the issue persists.