Are You Getting a March 26 Social Security Check? Here’s What to Expect

If you’re a retiree aged 62 or older with a birthday between the 21st and 31st of any month, your March 2025 Social Security check will be deposited on Wednesday, March 26. This payment reflects the 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), increasing the average monthly benefit to $1,976.

Public workers—including teachers, police officers, and firefighters—may also see higher benefits thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates reductions caused by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

This guide breaks down who gets paid, how much you’ll receive, and what to do if your payment is delayed.

March 26 Social Security Payment: Key Details

If you receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, staying on top of your payments is crucial. Your benefits aren’t a gift—they’re your hard-earned right.

Who Gets Paid on March 26?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes payments based on your birth date:

Note: If you started receiving benefits before May 1997, your payment arrives on the 3rd of each month instead.

How Much Will You Receive?

With the 2.5% COLA increase, the average Social Security benefit in 2025 is as follows:

If you claimed early at 62, your payment may be lower than average. If you delayed claiming until 70, your benefit will be significantly higher.

Public Retirees: How the Fairness Act Affects Benefits

The Social Security Fairness Act—passed in January 2025—has removed the following rules:

• Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) – Previously reduced benefits for public workers with pension income.
• Government Pension Offset (GPO) – Previously cut spousal or survivor benefits for government retirees.

This change affects over 3.2 million retirees, including:

• Teachers
• Firefighters
• Police Officers
• Other government employees

How Much More Will Public Retirees Get?

• Most affected retirees received a retroactive payment averaging $6,710.
• Permanent monthly benefit increases begin in April 2025.

How to Check or Set Up Your Social Security Payment

To ensure your March 26 payment arrives on time, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log In to Your SSA Account

Visit ssa.gov/myaccount to:

• View benefit statements
• Check pending payments
• Update personal details

Step 2: Choose Direct Deposit

Your payment will be sent to:

• Your bank account (preferred)
• Direct Express® Debit Card (for those without a bank account)

Ensure your banking information is correct to prevent delays.

Step 3: Track Your Payment

• Set up text or email alerts with your bank.
• Check your account balance by March 26.

What If Your Payment Is Late?

If your March 26 payment hasn’t arrived by March 29, take action:

Possible Reasons for Delays:

• Incorrect bank info – Update your details at SSA.gov.
• Closed account – Ensure your direct deposit is set to an active account.
• SSA data errors – Call 1-800-772-1213 to verify your records.

Avoid Scams: SSA never calls, texts, or emails asking for your SSN or banking info.

Real-Life Example

Meet Carol, 68:

• Retired in 2022, birthday on March 24.
• She normally receives $1,950/month.
• After the 2.5% COLA, her March 26 check increases to $1,998.
• Uses Direct Express® to track payments and pay bills.

Like Carol, you can set up alerts and review your SSA account regularly to avoid payment issues.

How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits

Even if you’re already receiving Social Security, you can boost your payments:

• Delay Claiming (If Possible)
  • Every year you delay (up to age 70) increases your benefit by ~8%.
• Report Earnings Accurately
  • If you’re still working, report income correctly to avoid overpayment penalties.
• Use SSA Planning Tools
  • COLA Calculator – Estimate future increases.
  • Benefit Estimator – See how working longer affects your benefits.
  • Retirement Planning Tools – Get a personalized strategy at SSA.gov.

Full 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule

Understanding your Social Security payment schedule is key to staying financially stable in retirement. Whether you’re receiving your first check or planning for the future, tracking your benefits, ensuring direct deposit accuracy, and staying informed will help you get the most from your hard-earned income.

For more details, visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) or consult a financial professional.

FAQ: