If you’ve seen headlines about a $4,983 Social Security check in August 2025, here’s the scoop: that figure is circulating in media, but the official maximum monthly retirement benefit for 2025 is $5,108—available only to a small share of retirees who meet very specific conditions.
I’ll break down who can actually get the max, how the August 2025 payment dates work, and what numbers matter (like the 2025 COLA, earnings test limits, and the taxable wage base).
If you’ve been hearing about a massive $4,983 Social Security payment this August, you might be wondering—who actually gets it and how?
The truth is, in 2025, the maximum monthly Social Security retirement benefit is even higher—$5,108—but only a small group of retirees qualify for that amount.
With millions of Americans relying on Social Security each month, knowing the exact payment dates, eligibility rules, and the factors that affect your benefit can help you plan your finances more confidently.
In this guide, we’ll break down August 2025’s Social Security schedule, explain who can receive the maximum payment, and share the key facts and figures every retiree should know.
Key Takeaways
- 2025 max benefit at age 70: $5,108 per month (not $4,983). Max at full retirement age (FRA) in 2025 is $4,018; at 62, it’s $2,831.
- 2025 COLA: 2.5% increase that began with January 2025 benefits (SSI reflected Dec. 31, 2024).
- Taxable wage base (OASDI) 2025: $176,100; employee rate 6.2% (12.4% self-employed).
Who Can Receive the Maximum Payment
To unlock the absolute maximum monthly retirement benefit in 2025 ($5,108), you generally need to check all of these boxes:
- Work at least 35 years—because Social Security calculates your benefit using your highest 35 years of indexed earnings.
- Hit or exceed the taxable maximum in most of those years (i.e., earn at or above the OASDI wage cap, which is $176,100 in 2025).
Why you keep seeing $4,983: Some outlets still reference older or rounded numbers. The SSA’s current 2025 figures are clear: $5,108 at 70, $4,018 at FRA, $2,831 at 62.
If you see $4,983, treat it as dated/misaligned with the latest SSA update. Always frame your posts and planning with the SSA’s 2025 amounts.
August 2025 Payment Schedule
Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability (RSDI) benefits follow a birth-date-based schedule for those who filed on or after May 1, 1997. In August 2025, here’s how payments line up:
- Second Wednesday (birthdays 1–10): Wednesday, August 13, 2025
- Third Wednesday (birthdays 11–20): Wednesday, August 20, 2025
- Fourth Wednesday (birthdays 21–31): Wednesday, August 27, 2025
If you’ve been getting benefits since before May 1997, you’re typically paid on the 3rd of the month—but when the 3rd lands on a weekend or federal holiday, payment arrives the business day before.
Since Aug 3, 2025 is a Sunday, that group is paid on Friday, Aug 1 this month. SSI benefits are scheduled for the 1st, which is Friday, Aug 1 in 2025.
August 2025 Social Security & SSI
| Group / Program | Who’s in this group | August 2025 Pay Date |
|---|---|---|
| SSI | Supplemental Security Income | Fri, Aug 1 |
| “3rd of the month” Social Security | Filed before May 1997; certain exceptions | Fri, Aug 1 (because Aug 3 is Sunday) |
| Birthdays 1–10 | Filed May 1997 or later | Wed, Aug 13 |
| Birthdays 11–20 | Filed May 1997 or later | Wed, Aug 20 |
| Birthdays 21–31 | Filed May 1997 or later | Wed, Aug 27 |
2025 Numbers That Affect Your Check
1) Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
Benefits increased 2.5% for 2025, effective with January 2025 payments (SSI reflected Dec 31, 2024). This adjustment helps checks keep pace with inflation measured by the CPI-W.
2) Taxable Wage Base and Payroll Tax
- OASDI taxable max (2025): $176,100.
- FICA Social Security rate: 6.2% employee + 6.2% employer (12.4% if self-employed).
Earnings above $176,100 aren’t subject to OASDI tax, but all earnings owe the Medicare portion.
3) Working While on Benefits (Earnings Test)
The SSA also updates earnings test thresholds annually (if you’re below FRA and still working, earning above the limit can temporarily withhold part of your benefit). Check your personal situation in your my Social Security account to avoid surprises.
How to Tell if You’ll Get the Max in August
You’re most likely to see the maximum only if:
- Your lifetime earnings consistently hit the taxable max,
- You’ve amassed 35 full years of work history, and
- You waited until age 70 to start benefits.
Even then, a tiny fraction of retirees qualify for the absolute max. The fastest way to confirm your expected amount is to log into my Social Security and review your benefit estimate and payment schedule.
Delayed or Missing August Payment? Do This
If your deposit doesn’t arrive on your scheduled date, wait three business days, then contact your bank or the SSA. This timing cushion is officially recommended by the SSA and avoids false alarms from minor processing delays.
(Bonus) August 2025 Payment Calendar & Rules—At a Glance
- SSI: Fri, Aug 1
- 3rd-of-the-month group: Fri, Aug 1 (due to weekend)
- Birthdays 1–10: Wed, Aug 13
- Birthdays 11–20: Wed, Aug 20
- Birthdays 21–31: Wed, Aug 27
- 2025 Max Benefit: $5,108 at age 70 (FRA max $4,018; age-62 max $2,831).
- 2025 COLA: 2.5%.
- 2025 Taxable Wage Base: $176,100.
The $4,983 Social Security benefit in August 2025 is a significant financial milestone, achievable only by individuals who combined 35 years of high earnings, claimed at full retirement age, and started benefits by August.
While not everyone reaches this mark, it serves as a powerful planning target and highlights the impact of lifetime contributions and claiming strategy.
If you’re approaching retirement or already retired, revisit your earnings history, claiming age, and ensure your My Social Security account reflects accurate info.
With thoughtful planning, you can maximize what Social Security can contribute to your financial security.
FAQs
Can I get the full $5,108 if I claimed at full retirement age?
No. The $5,108 maximum applies to those who delay until age 70. The 2025 maximum at full retirement age is $4,018.
Why did my “3rd of the month” payment arrive on Aug 1 instead of Aug 3?
Because Aug 3, 2025 is a Sunday. When your regular date falls on a weekend/holiday, SSA pays the business day before—this month, Friday, Aug 1.
Do I pay Social Security tax on all my wages in 2025?
Only up to $176,100 for the Social Security (OASDI) part. The 6.2% employee share (or 12.4% self-employed) applies up to that cap; Medicare has no wage cap.