The first condition that the Social Security Administration (SSA) set to get a payment is to have filed and received approval. Then, you will be eligible for this payday on February 12 or later if you started receiving retirement benefits after April 30, 1997, and are not an SSI recipient.
However, there is one more condition to qualify for the payment on the 12th. Social Security will ensure you qualify for this payday if you were born from the first to the tenth. As you may have guessed it is not relevant the month you were born.
Social Security checks worth $1,976 on average
As of January 2025, the Social Security Administration claimed that retirees receive about $1,976 on average. Spouses of retired workers who qualify on retiree’s record can get about $930 on average.
Thus, an eligible married couple could get $1,976 plus $930. Therefore, the total amount of their monthly checks amounts to $2,906. Even some children of retired workers can get payments if eligible.
Qualifying children of retired workers can get up to $917, which could increase the family’s earnings considerably. Some high earners can get larger payments though.
Social Security checks worth $5,108 on February 12
Workers whose wages are equal to the taxable maximum (contribution and benefit base) for 35 years and had jobs covered by SSA may get up to $5,108 if they file at 70.
Those who opt for early filing will see how their benefit amount goes down. At 62, the largest benefit payment is worth $2,831. Filing for Social Security at Full Retirement Age is much better. At least, from a financial point of view.
Thus, if you file at Full Retirement Age, the Social Security Administration can give you up to $4,018. This will be the only way to get 100% of your benefits. Before you file, if you are close to retirement, make sure you can afford it because inflation reduces the value of your Social Security check.