$1,622 Social Security Checks for Seniors – Here’s How to Claim Yours

If you’re turning 65 in 2025, you’re probably wondering what your Social Security check will look like. Thanks to a 2.5% COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment), the average payment for 65-year-olds has increased to $1,622 per month.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from eligibility and payment schedules to application tips and strategies to get the most out of your benefits.

Overview

Claiming Social Security at 65 is a major milestone, but there’s a lot to think about—when to claim, how much you’ll get, and how to apply. Knowing the rules can help you avoid costly mistakes and set yourself up for a more secure retirement.

Aspect	Details
Average Monthly Payment	$1,622 (for age 65, 2025)
Eligibility	Age 65, 40 work credits, SSN, U.S. citizen or legal resident
Full Retirement Age	67 for those born in 1960 or later
Payment Schedule	Based on birthdate: 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday
How to Apply	Online, phone, or in person
Official Source	SSA.gov

Payment

The $1,622 monthly check is the average benefit for 65-year-olds in 2025. It’s not guaranteed for everyone—it depends on your earnings history, work credits, and claiming age.

This number reflects a 2.5% COLA increase applied by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help retirees keep up with inflation.

Eligibility

You’re likely eligible if:

• You turn 65 in 2025
• You’ve earned at least 40 credits (roughly 10 years of work)
• You have a valid SSN and are a U.S. citizen or legal resident

Even if you never worked, you may be eligible for spousal benefits based on your partner’s work record.

Applying

You’ve got three options to apply:

1. Online
   Visit SSA.gov and apply securely from home. You can track your application and upload any needed documents.
2. By Phone
   Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
3. In Person
   Schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office.

Required Documents

• SSN
• Birth certificate
• Citizenship or residency proof
• W-2 or self-employment tax forms
• Bank account info (for direct deposit)

Schedule

Your payment date depends on your birthdate:

Birthdate Range	Payment Day
1st–10th	Second Wednesday of the month
11th–20th	Third Wednesday of the month
21st–31st	Fourth Wednesday of the month

Example: If your birthday is on August 15, you’ll be paid on the third Wednesday each month.

Calculation

Your benefit is based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME)—an average of your highest 35 earning years.

This is then used to calculate your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is your full benefit at Full Retirement Age (FRA). Since FRA is 67 for those born in 1960 or later, claiming at 65 results in a reduced benefit—about 86.67% of your PIA.

Maximizing

Here’s how to stretch your Social Security check:

1. Delay Your Claim
   Waiting until age 70 increases your monthly benefit by 8% per year beyond FRA.
2. Keep Working
   Higher earnings in later years can replace lower-earning years in your 35-year history.
3. Coordinate With a Spouse
   One spouse can claim up to 50% of the other’s benefit. Planning together can increase household income.
4. Watch the Earnings Limit
   If you work before FRA and earn over $22,320 in 2025, your benefit is reduced by $1 for every $2 over that amount. This penalty ends at FRA.

Medicare

Even if you delay Social Security, don’t forget to enroll in Medicare Part B at 65. Missing the initial enrollment window can result in permanent penalties.

You can apply for Medicare separately at Medicare.gov or through the SSA website.

With the new $1,622 average benefit, a structured payment schedule, and flexible application options, claiming Social Security at 65 in 2025 is more streamlined than ever. Take the time to know your options, plan carefully, and don’t leave money on the table.

FAQs