The Social Security Administration (SSA), established in 1935, operates as an independent executive branch agency focused primarily on administering Social Security benefits. These benefits include survivor, retirement, and disability payments, along with managing Social Security numbers and cards, and overseeing Medicare enrollment.
The Formation and Financial Scope of the SSA
Created under the Social Security Act, the SSA ranks as the second-largest federal agency by spending. In the fiscal year 2024, the SSA’s total expenditures reached approximately $1.52 trillion. These spending levels can fluctuate based on policy shifts, demographic changes such as population growth, and inflation adjustments.
Federal spending is generally categorized as direct or indirect. Direct spending refers to money spent by the federal government on obligations such as debt interest, federal programs, and employee salaries. Indirect spending, on the other hand, refers to funds transferred to state and local governments. Notably, less than 0.05% of SSA’s spending is transferred indirectly to these local bodies.
Breakdown of Social Security Benefits
Around 70% of all Social Security recipients are retired workers, who on average receive monthly payments close to $2,000 — precisely $1,999.97 as per the SSA’s April 2025 statistics. Disabled workers receive average monthly benefits of approximately $1,581.88.
Survivor benefits average $1,565.87 monthly, while recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) receive roughly $717.87 each month. It’s important to note that individual payments can vary significantly based on eligibility criteria and personal work and contribution history.
Coordinated Payment Schedule to Serve Millions
The SSA distributes benefits to nearly 74 million Americans every month, a substantial logistical operation that requires precise scheduling and coordination. To streamline payments, the SSA uses a specific payment calendar, especially for retirement benefits claimed after May 1997.
The payment schedule for retirement benefits is based on the beneficiary’s birthdate within a month:
- Birthdays 1st to 10th: payment on the second Wednesday of the month (e.g., May 14, 2025).
- Birthdays 11th to 20th: payment on the third Wednesday (e.g., May 21, 2025).
- Birthdays 21st to 31st: payment on the fourth Wednesday (e.g., May 28, 2025).
For those who claimed benefits before May 1997, payments are issued on the third day of each month. Generally, Social Security payments are distributed on the first of each month; however, if this falls on a weekend or public holiday, payments are made on the previous business day.
The SSA posts detailed calendars on its official website, providing clear guidance on expected payment dates.
What To Do If Payments Are Delayed
If a payment does not appear on the scheduled date, recipients are advised to wait three business days before raising concerns. Initial inquiries should be directed to their bank to rule out processing delays or technical errors. If the bank cannot resolve the issue, the SSA should then be contacted for further investigation and resolution.
**This article was written by [Frank Mooney]. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.**