A man holding a Social Security document with a serious expression.

Official, it's today: the money many Americans will receive this September 3

SSA confirms payments starting September 3 with a new cost-of-living adjustment for millions of beneficiaries

Social Security has always been one of the foundations of economic security for millions of Americans. For 2025, this program is introducing a key change that will make a difference in the pockets of retirees and people with active benefits.

This is an increase that aims to balance the effects of inflation and keep purchasing power stable. The measure is already underway and doesn't require any paperwork from beneficiaries.

Senior couple smiling in front of a United States flag
There is an increase in payments to retirees | Robert Kneschke, Tiero

An automatic adjustment that impacts millions of households

The 2.5% increase in Social Security's monthly payments is starting to be reflected as of this September. Deposits are made automatically, without beneficiaries having to request anything additional. This ensures that everyone receives the increase without complications.

The adjustment benefits retirees, people with disabilities, and also survivors who depend on this monthly income. The decision by the Social Security Administration (SSA) aims to provide relief in the face of rising prices. This correction mechanism is known as a cost-of-living adjustment.

Surprised woman pointing at a large stack of hundred-dollar bills
Millions of Americans depend on the SSA | Getty Images, alphaspirit.it

Deposits go directly into beneficiaries' accounts on the usual dates. The SSA keeps a fixed schedule to ensure that all payments are delivered on time.

Confirmed payment schedule for September

On September 3, deposits are sent to those who began receiving their benefits before May 1997. This group is the first to receive the funds adjusted with the 2.5% increase. Later, on September 10, beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month will receive their payments.

The SSA organizes payments in stages to facilitate management and cash flow. On September 17, it will be the turn of those born between the 11th and 20th, and finally, on September 24, those born between the 21st and 31st will receive their deposits. With this schedule, all beneficiary groups are covered.

The maximum that can be received in 2025

For 2025, the maximum Social Security amount reaches $4,018 per month. However, this payment is only available to those who meet specific retirement conditions. The worker must retire at the so-called "full age," which is 67 years old for those born in 1960 or later.

Retiring earlier reduces the amount, while postponing retirement can increase the benefit. This limit marks the maximum figure, but most beneficiaries receive lower amounts. Even so, the cost-of-living adjustment ensures that they don't lose purchasing power.