If you’re 65 years old and receiving Social Security, there’s good news for April 2025: the average monthly payment is now $1,622. This increase comes after a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to help offset rising costs in everything from groceries to gas.
Whether you’re already collecting benefits or planning to start soon, knowing how this payment works is essential for making smart retirement decisions.
In this guide, we’ll break down who qualifies, how your payment is calculated, when you’ll get it, and how to apply. Real-life examples and SSA tools included.
Overview
Let’s start with the basics. Here’s a quick summary of what the April 2025 Social Security payment looks like for 65-year-olds:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $1,622/month (average for 65-year-olds) |
| COLA for 2025 | 2.5% increase |
| Eligibility Age | Early retirement starts at 62; full retirement at 67 |
| Work Credits Needed | 40 credits (about 10 years of work) |
| Payment Dates | April 3, 9, 16, or 23 |
| SSA Resource Site | ssa.gov |
Payment
The $1,622 check is the average monthly benefit for 65-year-old retirees in April 2025. It includes the 2.5% COLA, which adjusts payments to keep pace with inflation. Each year, COLA is calculated using the CPI-W index (Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers).
Though $1,622 won’t cover all expenses, it offers a stable income base for millions of retirees.
Who Qualifies?
To receive this benefit at age 65, here’s what you need:
Work History
You need at least 40 work credits. You earn one credit per quarter, so you’ll need roughly 10 years of paying into Social Security.
Age 65
You’re eligible to claim Social Security at 62, but the full retirement age (FRA) is 67. Claiming at 65 gives you about 86.67% of your full benefit, or a 13.33% reduction.
Income Limits (If Still Working)
If you’re under FRA and still working, your benefits might be reduced if your earnings exceed $22,320 in 2025. After that threshold, $1 is deducted for every $2 earned above it.
How Is It Calculated?
Social Security calculates your benefit using your 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation. These numbers are used to find your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is what you’d get at full retirement age.
A few things that affect your benefit:
- The age you claim (earlier means less, later means more)
- Spousal or survivor benefits
- Other retirement income like pensions
Example:
Jane worked a middle-income job for 35 years.
Her PIA at full retirement age is $1,870.
She claims at 65, getting 86.67% of her PIA.
Her monthly check = $1,622.
Payment Dates
Social Security payments go out based on your birth date and when you started receiving benefits.
| Birth Date / Status | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Before May 1997 / Receiving SSI | April 3 |
| Birthday between 1st–10th | April 9 |
| Birthday between 11th–20th | April 16 |
| Birthday between 21st–31st | April 23 |
Payments are made via direct deposit or Direct Express card.
How to Apply
If you haven’t started yet and are turning 65, you can apply up to 4 months before you want benefits to begin.
Steps
- Go to ssa.gov/retireonline
- Create or log into your My Social Security account
- Use the benefit calculator to estimate your payment
- Submit your application and upload documents
Online applications are the fastest way to get started.
Real Example
James turned 65 in February 2025. After 40+ years working for USPS, he qualified for a full retirement benefit of $1,870. He chose to start benefits at 65, so his monthly check is $1,622.
James also enrolled in Medicare and works a part-time job to supplement his income, staying under the income threshold to avoid benefit reductions. His Social Security helps cover rent, medications, and groceries.
Smart Tips
If you wait past age 65 (up to 70), your benefit grows by about 8% each year. If your health and finances allow, this can pay off long-term.
Make a Budget
Use tools like Mint or YNAB to track spending. Separate needs (like rent and food) from wants (like dining out).
Tax Rules
Your benefits may be taxed if your income exceeds:
- $25,000 (single filer)
- $32,000 (married filing jointly)
Look for Extra Help
You may also qualify for:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- SNAP (food assistance)
- State senior benefit programs
The $1,622 Social Security check may not seem like a fortune, but with smart planning, it can become the cornerstone of a stable retirement.
Whether you’re already receiving payments or preparing to apply, knowing how it works gives you an edge. Stay informed, plan wisely, and make every dollar count.