Thousands of Americans are now receiving their Social Security retirement payments, either today or within the next few days. These payments are sent through Direct Deposit to eligible citizens, but not everyone will receive the money at the same time. Your birthdate, payment method, and benefit approval date all affect when your check arrives.
Are You Eligible for This Social Security Check?
To receive this Social Security check in the last week of March 2025, you must be part of Retiree Group 4. But don’t worry if you’re not in this group—Social Security sends payments four times every month, so your check may be scheduled for an earlier or later date depending on your group.
Here are the two simple conditions you must meet to be in Group 4:
- You started receiving benefits after May 1997, and
- Your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any month
If both these points apply to you, then you’re part of Group 4, and your payment should be arriving very soon.
When Will the Money Arrive?
For Group 4 retirees, the payment is expected based on how they receive their benefits:
March 26, 2025 – For those who have Direct Deposit activated.
March 27 or March 28, 2025 – For those without Direct Deposit, who are receiving checks through traditional bank processing or mail.
In some cases, payment may take a little longer depending on your bank’s processing time, even if the SSA (Social Security Administration) has already sent it.
Direct Deposit vs Other Payment Methods
Direct Deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive your Social Security check. If you have it set up, you should get the payment on the same day it is released, which for Group 4 is March 26.
If you don’t use Direct Deposit, your check might be delayed by 1–2 days or more, depending on how your bank handles the transfer. That’s why the SSA always recommends switching to Direct Deposit whenever possible.
How Much Will You Get?
The amount you receive in this payment is the same as your usual monthly benefit. For example, if your regular retirement benefit is $2,300, that’s what you’ll get in this payment too.
Remember, Social Security retirement payments stay the same each month, unless a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is applied. In 2025, the COLA adjustment was already made earlier in the year, so no further changes will happen until next year.
On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments can vary slightly from month to month, but retirement benefits are fixed unless there’s a major update from the SSA.
Missed This Payment? Don’t Worry
If you didn’t receive your check today and you think you should have, check your birthdate and payment group. As mentioned earlier, Social Security issues up to four payments every month, so your payment might still be on the way.
Also, keep in mind that delays often happen because of:
- Not using Direct Deposit
- Bank processing issues
- Holidays or weekends
Always allow a few extra days before contacting the SSA for help.