If you’re 66 years old, you may be eligible to receive Social Security payments either in February or March 2025. However, some 66-year-olds might not have received their February payment yet, depending on their birthdate.
This article outlines the payment dates and amounts for 66-year-olds during these months, detailing the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and eligibility criteria.
February 2025 Social Security Payments for 66-Year-Olds
For those turning 66, February payments may have already been processed by February 19, 2025. If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, you should have received your payment by this date. However, for 66-year-olds born after the 20th, there are two possible payment dates:
- February 26, 2025: This is the expected payment date for those born between the 21st and 31st, who filed for benefits after April 30, 1997, and are not receiving SSI.
- February 3, 2025: If you began receiving Social Security before May 1997 or if you’re receiving both SSI and retirement benefits, your payment should have been issued on this date.
March 2025 Social Security Payments for 66-Year-Olds
For 66-year-olds, the Social Security payments in March 2025 are as follows:
- March 3, 2025: If you began receiving retirement benefits before May 1997, this will be your payment date. This is also the case for those who receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and retirement benefits.
- March 12, 2025: If you were born between the 1st and 10th, this will be your payment date.
- March 19 & March 26, 2025: For 66-year-olds, these are the final possible payment dates in March. The criteria for these dates are the same as for February (born between 11th-20th or between 21st-31st, with eligibility depending on when you filed).
Social Security Payment Amounts for 66-Year-Olds
For those who are 66 years old in 2025, the average Social Security check after the COLA increase will be around $1,818 per month. This is a 2.5% increase from the previous payment amount of $1,774 announced in June 2024.
It’s important to note that individual payments may vary based on when you started receiving benefits and whether you qualify for SSI or retirement benefits.
Social Security Payment Comparisons
Here’s a breakdown of the average Social Security payments for different categories of recipients:
| Category | Average Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| 66-Year-Olds (with COLA increase) | $1,818 |
| All Retired Workers | $1,978 |
As shown, filing for Social Security benefits before reaching Full Retirement Age may result in a reduced monthly payment.
FAQs
When will 66-year-olds receive their Social Security payment in February?
- February 19: For those born between 11th and 20th.
- February 26: For those born between 21st and 31st, filed after April 30, 1997, and not receiving SSI.
- February 3: For those receiving both SSI and retirement benefits or who filed before May 1997.
What is the average payment for 66-year-olds after the COLA increase?
The average payment for 66-year-olds is approximately $1,818.
What if I started receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997?
If you began receiving benefits before May 1997, your payment date will be March 3, 2025.
As a 66-year-old, receiving Social Security payments in February and March 2025 depends on your birthdate and when you started receiving benefits. With the COLA boost, the monthly payments for those turning 66 will be approximately $1,818. It’s important to be aware of the specific payment dates to ensure you receive your Social Security check on time.