More than 90 years have passed since the United States’ Social Security program was established in August 1935. On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law.
In November 1936, the first Social Security cards were distributed. The Social Security Administration (SSA) currently provides a source of income for dependents, survivors, retirees, and individuals with disabilities.
In March 2025, about $139 billion was paid out. Nearly 73.6 million Americans profited from this.
An analysis of the SSA’s operations from the past
Over the years, the Social Security Administration has experienced numerous modifications. These have included changes to keep up with the shifting financial landscape and an extension of the advantages offered.
The cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), which were initially introduced in October 1950, are a perfect illustration of this. In 1956, disability benefits were added.
Those between the ages of 50 and 64 as well as those who had experienced difficulties since childhood were eligible for these benefits. The disability benefits were substantially expanded in September 1960.
Now, disabled people of any age and their family are eligible to receive these payments. President Johnson brought Medicare into law in July 1965.
Assessing the current situation of the SSA
In addition to managing Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration also oversees Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
The retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits are together referred to as Social Security payments.
The SSI primarily targets elderly, blind, or crippled people with little money or other resources. The way SSA and SSI payments are handled differs.
This action is necessary due to the size of the task at hand. Every month on the first, the Supplemental Security Payments (SSI) are disbursed.
The benefit payment is moved to the final working day prior to this date if it falls on a public holiday weekend.
Read Also: Families to Receive $1,000 Stimulus + $1,600 More Under New Relief Plan
This may explain why some months of the year permit SSI benefits to be paid twice.
The payment schedule’s financial effects
In accordance with the Social Security payment schedule, an individual may also get three benefit installments.
This is only possible if the aforementioned anomaly is widespread and only affects people who receive both SSA and SSI benefits.
The individual’s birthday is used to compute Social Security benefits. The other person’s birthdate also determines spousal and survivor benefits:
| Birthday Range | Payday |
| 1st to 10th of the month | 2nd Wednesday of the month |
| 11th to 20th of the month | 3rd Wednesday of the month |
| 21st to 31st of the month | 4th Wednesday of the month |
In 2025, an individual claimant may receive up to $967 in SSI benefits, while couples may receive up to $1,450. This sum could be less because it depends on a number of criteria, including eligibility and income.
The average monthly SSA retirement benefit is $1,976. The benefits of retiring at age 62 are $2,831, $4,018 for those who reach full retirement age, and $5,108 for those who retire at age 70.
Benefit payments are typically made on time by a Direct Express debit card or a direct deposit into a specified bank account.
Read Also: $725 Stimulus Payment: Here’s When the First Deposit Will Arrive
The SSA suggests waiting three business days to inquire if these are not received. To find out whether the issue is not with the bank or financial institution, that would be the first place to go. You can get in touch with the SSA if this has been cleared.
You have two options for doing this: calling the local SSA office or going in person. This is applicable in situations where SSN cards were lost or stolen in addition to late or nonexistent payments.
