The Social Security program in the United States covers a wide range of beneficiaries, from retired workers to those with disabilities, survivors, and other eligible family members. This program offers financial support to those who have contributed to the workforce or meet specific eligibility criteria based on their needs.
Types of Social Security Beneficiaries
Retired Workers
Retired workers are individuals who have worked and earned 40 quarters (about 10 years) of contributions to Social Security. To qualify for retirement benefits, they must also reach retirement age, which is typically between 62 and 67, depending on the year they were born.
People with Disabilities
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides benefits to individuals who have worked and contributed to Social Security but are now disabled.
If someone has not worked or has very low income, they may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead. Both SSDI and SSI provide disability benefits to those with medically confirmed disabilities.
Survivors and Family Members
Survivors and family members of deceased workers may also qualify for Social Security benefits. This category includes:
Spouses or former spouses married for more than 10 years
Minor children or disabled children of the deceased worker
In some cases, surviving parents of a deceased worker may also receive support.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a program for individuals who are 65 years or older, blind, or disabled, and have very limited income and financial resources. Unlike other programs, SSI eligibility does not depend on previous work history, but rather on current financial need.
SSI Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for SSI, applicants must meet three key conditions:
Condition: Must be aged 65 or older, blind, or have a disability.
Income: Must have an income below approximately $2,000 per month for individuals or $3,000 for couples.
Resources: Must have resources (savings, property, etc.) worth less than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples.
Citizenship or a qualified immigration status is also required for SSI.
Social Security Payment Dates in July 2025
The payment dates for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits follow a specific schedule based on your birthday. For RIB (Retirement Insurance Benefits) or SSDI beneficiaries who applied after May 1, 1997, the dates vary as follows:
July 9, 2025 (Second Wednesday): Payments for those born between July 1 and 10.
July 16, 2025 (Third Wednesday): Payments for those born between July 11 and 20.
July 23, 2025 (Fourth Wednesday): Payments for those born between July 21 and 31.
For beneficiaries who started receiving benefits before or during May 1997, the payment date is fixed:
July 3, 2025: This is the payment date for those who began receiving benefits before May 1997 and for those receiving SSI benefits.
Additionally, SSI-only recipients always receive their payment on the first business day of the month, which for July 2025 will be July 1.
Maximum Social Security Retirement Benefit in 2025
In 2025, the maximum monthly Social Security benefit is $5,108. However, reaching this amount requires meeting specific conditions:
35 years of contributions with high earnings.
Delayed application until age 70, taking advantage of the 8% annual increase in benefits from age 67 to 70.
This delayed increase can significantly boost retirement benefits, with the amount calculated based on the beneficiary’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which reflects the highest-earning 35 years of income adjusted for inflation.
Who Can Qualify for the Maximum Amount?
To qualify for the maximum benefit:
35 years of high earnings are required.
You must delay claiming your benefits until age 70 to maximize the benefit.
The Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) must be based on the highest-earning 35 years of your work history.
While the current average retirement benefit is closer to $2,000 per month, those who qualify for the maximum benefit have contributed significantly more over their working years. The Social Security Administration reviews each case individually to determine the final benefit amount.