Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits as a primary source of income, especially retirees, disabled individuals, and surviving family members. Every year, beneficiaries look forward to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), intended to help benefits keep pace with inflation. In 2025, a 2.5% COLA was applied, raising the average retirement benefit to approximately $1,976 per month.
However, not every beneficiary has seen that increase hit their account on time. If your Social Security payment or increase hasn’t arrived, here’s what you should know and the exact steps to take.
When Should You Expect Your Payment?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes payments on a staggered monthly schedule based on your date of birth—unless you fall into a special category.
Here’s how payments are typically scheduled:
- Born on the 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday of the month
- Born on the 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday
- Born on the 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
For May 2025, that means payments are expected on:
- May 14 for birth dates between the 1st and 10th
- May 21 for birth dates between the 11th and 20th
- May 28 for birth dates between the 21st and 31st
If you started receiving benefits before May 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and SSI, your payment is made on the 3rd of each month. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is paid on the 1st of the month.
What to Do if Your Payment or COLA Increase Doesn’t Arrive
Before taking action, the SSA recommends waiting at least three mailing days after your expected payment date. If your funds still haven’t arrived, follow these steps:
1. Check With Your Bank
It’s not uncommon for a delay to occur on the bank’s end, especially with direct deposits. Confirm that your account is still active and that there are no issues with the deposit process.
2. Review Your My Social Security Account
Log into your online account at ssa.gov/myaccount to verify your payment history, check benefit statements, or review any official notices regarding changes.
3. Contact the SSA
If your payment still hasn’t arrived after waiting three mailing days, call the SSA directly:
- Phone: 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Why Delays Happen
While most Social Security payments are processed on time, there are several reasons delays may occur:
Administrative Delays and Staffing Issues
Over the past few years, the SSA has faced staff reductions and increased workloads. This has resulted in slower response times and delays in processing new claims or applying benefit adjustments.
Manual Processing for Legislative Changes
The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 and other recent legislative actions have required some beneficiaries to undergo manual reviews, especially those impacted by pension offsets or public service provisions. These reviews can delay both new payments and COLA adjustments.
Technical or Security-Related Issues
Occasionally, system upgrades or fraud prevention checks may flag accounts for verification. This can lead to short-term payment delays if identity or banking details must be revalidated.
Understanding Your 2025 COLA Increase
Social Security COLAs are determined each fall by the Bureau of Labor Statistics using data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The 2.5% COLA for 2025 reflects relatively moderate inflation over the past year.
This increase officially began with payments sent in January 2025. For retirees, the average monthly benefit rose to approximately $1,976, and for disabled workers, to around $1,537.
What to Do If You Think the Increase Is Missing
If your payment arrived but you believe the increase wasn’t applied, do the following:
- Compare the amount with your December 2024 payment.
- Check your COLA notice or log in to your SSA account to view your new benefit amount.
- Call SSA if your amount hasn’t changed and you haven’t received any explanation.
Tips to Prevent Future Issues
- Set up direct deposit to avoid paper check delays. You can change your payment method via your SSA account.
- Keep your contact information up to date with the SSA to ensure you receive all official notifications.
- Check your SSA account monthly to monitor any changes or notices about your benefits.
Final Thoughts
Late or missing payments can be unsettling, especially when they affect fixed-income seniors or disabled individuals who rely on timely benefits. But in most cases, the issue can be resolved through a few basic steps and with patience.
For more information or to manage your benefits, visit the official Social Security website:
www.ssa.gov