New Social Security Rates for 2025: Which States Offer the Highest Payments?

Social Security benefits play a vital role in the financial security of millions of Americans. As 2025 begins, beneficiaries will see some important changes, including a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), updated payment schedules, and varying state benefit levels. This guide explains everything you need to know about Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2025.

How Much Will Social Security Pay in 2025?

The 2.5% COLA increase means that Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will receive slightly higher payments this year. Here are the new federal maximum SSI amounts for 2025:

• Individuals: $967 per month
• Couples: $1,450 per month
• Essential Persons (people who care for SSI recipients): $484 per month

Although SSI payments have a fixed federal amount, Social Security payments vary depending on earnings history, retirement age, and state-specific factors.

Source: Newsd

States with the Highest Average Social Security Payments

Some states have higher-than-average Social Security benefits due to factors like higher wages, cost of living, and state-level supplements. The top five states with the highest average Social Security payments in 2025 are:

1. New Jersey

• Average Monthly Benefit: $1,708
• Number of Beneficiaries: 1,652,973
• Total Benefits Paid: $2.82 billion

New Jersey leads the nation in average Social Security payments, mainly due to its high average salaries and strong contribution history from retirees.

2. Connecticut

• Average Monthly Benefit: $1,706
• Number of Beneficiaries: 699,597
• Total Benefits Paid: $1.19 billion

Connecticut’s high-income base and retirement-friendly policies contribute to its high average Social Security payouts.

3. Delaware

• Average Monthly Benefit: $1,694
• Number of Beneficiaries: 229,047
• Total Benefits Paid: $387.9 million

Delaware provides one of the highest average benefits per recipient, offering retirees financial stability.

4. Maryland

• Average Monthly Benefit: $1,648
• Number of Beneficiaries: 1,038,041
• Total Benefits Paid: $1.71 billion

Maryland’s above-average wages and cost of living result in substantial Social Security benefits for residents.

5. Washington

• Average Monthly Benefit: $1,630
• Number of Beneficiaries: 1,413,306
• Total Benefits Paid: $2.30 billion

Washington maintains strong economic policies, leading to higher Social Security benefits for retirees.

Source: Investopedia

2025 Social Security Payment Schedule

For millions of Americans, knowing when their Social Security payments arrive is essential for financial planning. Payments follow a set schedule based on the recipient’s birth date.

Regular Payment Schedule

• 1st–10th of the month: Paid on the second Wednesday of each month
• 11th–20th of the month: Paid on the third Wednesday of each month
• 21st–31st of the month: Paid on the fourth Wednesday of each month

SSI Payment Schedule

SSI payments are always made on the 1st of the month. However, if the 1st falls on a weekend, payments are sent on the last Friday of the previous month.

Special Cases & Exceptions

Certain beneficiaries receive their payments on a different schedule:

• Retirees who started benefits before May 1997: Paid on the 3rd of each month
• People receiving both Social Security & SSI: Social Security on the 3rd, SSI on the 1st
• Payments on holidays/weekends: Sent on the closest preceding business day

Why Do Social Security Benefits Vary by State?

Social Security payments differ from state to state due to several factors:

1. State Income Levels – States with higher average salaries tend to have higher Social Security payments.
2. State Supplements – Some states add extra SSI payments to federal benefits.
3. Cost of Living – States with higher living costs often have residents receiving larger benefits.

Source: EvansDisability

How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits

If you want to get the most out of your Social Security benefits, consider these tips:

• Work longer and earn more: Your benefit is based on your 35 highest-earning years.
• Delay claiming benefits: Waiting until full retirement age (FRA) or age 70 increases your payments.
• Move to a tax-friendly state: Some states don’t tax Social Security benefits, helping retirees keep more of their income.

Other Key Changes to Social Security in 2025

1. Higher Taxable Earnings Cap

In 2025, the maximum earnings subject to Social Security tax increased from $168,600 to $176,100.

2. New Earnings Limits for Working Beneficiaries

• Below full retirement age: Can earn up to $23,400 before benefits are reduced.
• Reaching full retirement age in 2025: Can earn up to $62,160 before reductions apply.

Final Thoughts

Social Security remains a critical source of income for millions of Americans, with new COLA increases, state-specific benefits, and updated payment schedules in 2025. Understanding these changes helps beneficiaries plan their finances effectively.

To maximize benefits, stay informed about payment schedules, tax implications, and earnings limits. Whether you’re already retired or planning for the future, making smart decisions about Social Security can improve your financial stability for years to come.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.