The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to disburse the final round of Social Security checks for March 2025 on Wednesday, March 26. These payments encompass various benefits, including retirement income, disability benefits, survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare benefits. Each category has distinct eligibility criteria and payment schedules.
Social Security retirement income is a pivotal benefit provided by the SSA, determined by factors such as lifetime earnings, the number of years contributions were made, and the total amount paid into the system. To qualify for retirement benefits, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 62 years old. Notably, delaying the filing of benefits until after reaching the age of 70 can result in increased monthly payments.
- Work Credits: Eligibility requires a minimum of ten years (40 quarters) of work during which Social Security taxes were paid.
- Dependent Benefits: Children under the age of 18 and still in high school may also qualify for monthly Social Security benefits based on a parent’s earnings record.
Known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), these benefits are designed for individuals who have a significant disability or are blind and meet specific criteria:
- Work History: Applicants must have accumulated sufficient work credits by paying Social Security taxes prior to becoming disabled.
- Disability Criteria: The disability must be severe enough to impede substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Survivor benefits are available to certain family members of deceased workers who paid into Social Security:
- Eligible Recipients: This includes widows and widowers, dependent parents, ex-spouses, and children.
- Benefit Amount: The amount received depends on the deceased worker’s earnings and the survivor’s relationship to the deceased.
Family members of individuals who are retired or disabled may be entitled to benefits:
- Eligible Family Members: Spouses, ex-spouses, children, and even grandchildren may qualify under certain conditions.
- Benefit Conditions: The family member must have a qualifying relationship with the worker, and the worker must have sufficient work credits.
SSI provides monthly payments to individuals with limited income and resources:
- Eligibility: Designed for low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled, regardless of their work history.
- Resource Limits: Applicants must have limited income and resources to qualify.
The SSA follows a structured payment schedule:
- SSI Payments: Issued on March 1 and March 3.
- Other Benefits: Disbursed on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays—March 12, 19, and 26, respectively.
Beneficiaries expecting payments on March 26 should ensure their direct deposit information is current or anticipate mailed checks to arrive shortly after the scheduled date.
Related News: Social Security COLA 2025: Benefit Increases & Key Changes for Retirees
