Social Security payments are a lifeline for more than 66 million Americans each month — but how much you receive depends on a variety of factors. In April 2025, the average monthly benefit is around $1,720, but that number isn’t universal.
So, who qualifies for this payment amount — and could the average check increase again in May?
Who qualifies for the $1,720 Social Security benefit?
While $1,720 is the average monthly check amount, the payment a person actually receives depends on three core variables:
1. Lifetime Earnings
Social Security benefits are calculated based on your highest 35 years of earnings, adjusted for inflation. The more you earned — and the longer you worked — the higher your benefit will be (up to the SSA’s maximum payout).
2. Retirement Age
You can begin collecting benefits as early as age 62, but your check will be permanently reduced. To receive the full amount you’ve earned, you’ll need to wait until your Full Retirement Age (FRA) — typically between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year.
For those who wait even longer — up to age 70 — monthly payments increase by about 8% per year through delayed retirement credits.
3. Work History & Credits
To qualify for any Social Security retirement benefits, you need at least 40 work credits, which is roughly 10 years of full-time work. Without that, you won’t be eligible for retirement benefits from Social Security.
Important note: $1,720 is not a fixed amount. Some retirees receive as little as $600–$800 per month, while others — especially those who delayed benefits or had high-earning careers — may receive $2,000 or more.
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Could Social Security checks increase in May 2025?
No changes to payment amounts are expected in May 2025. Social Security payments are typically adjusted once per year via a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The most recent increase went into effect in January 2025, with a 2.5% COLA boosting average payments to their current level.
That means:
- The $1,720 figure (rounded) is locked in for 2025
- Monthly amounts will remain stable through December
- The next COLA, if any, would take effect January 2026
The COLA is tied to inflation, using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the prior year. If inflation stays moderate or declines, the next COLA could be smaller — or zero.
What to expect for Social Security in May 2025
Even though payment amounts aren’t changing, here’s the payment schedule for May 2025:
- May 1: SSI recipients
- May 3: Social Security recipients who began receiving benefits before May 1997
- May 8: Birthdays between the 1st–10th
- May 15: Birthdays between the 11th–20th
- May 22: Birthdays between the 21st–31st
- May 30: Second SSI payment (early June check, due to June 1 falling on a Sunday)
If you’re unsure which group you fall into, check your SSA statements or log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
How to check your payment amount
To see your actual monthly benefit amount:
- Visit ssa.gov
- Create or log in to your my Social Security account
- Review your benefit statement, which includes your monthly payment, deductions, and any cost-of-living increases
You can also use the online Retirement Estimator to project future benefits based on different retirement ages.
Maximizing your Social Security benefit
Even if you’re already receiving benefits, there are still ways to ensure you’re getting the most out of Social Security:
- Delay retirement (if you’re not yet collecting): Every year you wait after your FRA can increase your monthly check by 8%.
- Review your earnings record: Mistakes in your earnings history can lower your benefit. You can dispute incorrect years with SSA documentation.
- Coordinate spousal benefits: If you’re married, divorced, or widowed, you may be eligible for additional benefits under your spouse’s work history.
Bottom line
While the average Social Security check in April and May 2025 sits around $1,720, most recipients get more or less depending on earnings, retirement age, and work history. No increase is expected in May, as the SSA typically adjusts benefits only once per year in January.
Knowing how the system works — and keeping an eye on your payment statements — can help you plan ahead and make the most of your benefits.
Stay with FingerLakes1.com for the latest updates on Social Security payments, retirement policy, and benefits eligibility throughout 2025.