August 13th distribution of Social Security payments: Recipients expected to receive a $5,108 check
In August 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will distribute the maximum Social Security benefit of $5,108. To qualify for this significant sum, individuals must meet two key criteria.
Firstly, they must earn at least the annual maximum taxable earnings limit, which stands at $176,100 for 2025, in at least 35 years. This means paying Social Security payroll taxes on income up to the yearly cap for 35 or more years.
Secondly, they must delay claiming Social Security retirement benefits until age 70. Waiting until this age maximizes delayed retirement credits, boosting the monthly benefit to the maximum amount.
It's important to note that if benefits are claimed earlier—such as at full retirement age (around 66-67) or at age 62—the maximum monthly amount is substantially lower. For example, at full retirement age, the benefit would be approximately $4,018, and at age 62, it would be $2,831 [1][2][3][5].
The exact payment an individual receives depends on their lifetime earnings record and the age at which they start receiving benefits. Only those with sufficiently high earnings consistently, combined with delayed claiming until age 70, can reach the $5,108 maximum [2][3][5].
For most Social Security beneficiaries, the monthly benefit is less than the maximum due to lower lifetime earnings or earlier claiming ages [5]. The average Social Security benefit, according to the SSA, is around $1,907 [4].
The SSA assigns payment dates based on birthdate. Those born between the 1st and 10th of the month receive payments on the second Wednesday, those born between the 11th and 20th receive payments on the third Wednesday, and those born between the 21st and 31st receive payments on the fourth Wednesday. Retirees who began receiving benefits before 1997 typically receive payments on the third day of each month [4].
SSI recipients will receive two payments in August 2025 due to the calendar. To check your Social Security payment amount and schedule, you can find this information online or by contacting the SSA. If your payment hasn't arrived by August 16th, you can wait three business days, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, visit your local SSA office, or log in to your My Social Security account to verify deposit status.
Delaying retirement past full retirement age (66-67) can increase your benefit by up to 8% per year, making age 70 the optimal age for those wanting the maximum check. The highest possible monthly Social Security benefit applies to individuals who have worked and contributed for at least 35 years.
In summary, the maximum Social Security benefit in 2025 is reserved for retirees who work and pay Social Security taxes at or above the taxable maximum for at least 35 years and delay benefits until age 70 to earn the greatest possible delayed retirement credits.
- To reach the maximum Social Security benefit of $5,108 in 2025, individuals need to have a consistent high earnings record, pay Social Security taxes on income up to the yearly cap for 35 or more years, and delay claiming Social Security retirement benefits until age 70.
- Personal-finance strategists often advise individuals to consider delaying their business retirement past the full retirement age to maximize their Social Security benefits, as doing so can lead to the highest possible monthly Social Security benefit, which in 2025 is $5,108.
