Retirees aged 66-67 can expect a Social Security direct deposit of up to $4,018 this July 2025, if they meet eligibility requirements.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has scheduled payments on three specific dates next month for those who reached Full Retirement Age (FRA) and filed accordingly.
To qualify for such benefits, retirees must have worked and paid Social Security payroll taxes, earned at least 40 work credits, and waited until their FRA of 66 or 67 to file. Those who delay filing until 70 can collect even more—up to $5,108 monthly.
Let’s break down everything you need to know, from payment dates to maximum benefit qualifications.
How to Qualify for the $4,018 Benefit
To receive the maximum Social Security benefit of $4,018 at Full Retirement Age, you must:
- Have worked for 35 years
- Earned the taxable maximum income throughout your career
- Filed for benefits at your FRA (66 years and 10 months in 2025)
The average payment for retirees is $2,002 as of May 2025, but higher earners who filed at FRA can receive up to $4,018.
If you delay filing until age 70, the benefit can increase by 8% per year, allowing for a maximum of $5,108 monthly.
3 Key July 2025 Social Security Payment Dates
Social Security direct deposits are made based on the recipient’s date of birth and whether they began collecting benefits after April 30, 1997, and are not receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Payment Schedule – July 2025
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date | Eligible Group |
|---|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | Wednesday, July 9 | Retirees born early in the month |
| 11th – 20th | Wednesday, July 16 | Mid-month birthdays |
| 21st – 31st | Wednesday, July 23 | Late-month birthdays |
To receive payment, recipients must remain in good standing with Social Security. Incarceration or other disqualifying changes may suspend benefits temporarily.
How Is the $4,018 Monthly Benefit Calculated?
The $4,018 monthly Social Security benefit is not arbitrary. It reflects:
- 35 years of earnings at or above the taxable maximum income limit
- Filing at Full Retirement Age (66 years and 10 months in 2025)
- Contributions made under covered employment (jobs that pay into Social Security)
Those born in 1960 or later have a Full Retirement Age of 67. To reach the $4,018 level, you must also maximize your earnings over a long career in covered employment.
Can You Get More Than $4,018?
Yes. If a retiree waits until age 70 to file, the benefit grows by 8% annually beyond Full Retirement Age. This means someone retiring at 70 in 2025 could receive up to $5,108 per month—the highest possible Social Security retirement benefit this year.
Why Filing Age and Work History Matter
Filing before age 66 can result in permanently reduced benefits. But waiting until 66-67 or beyond allows for a full benefit or more. Workers with shorter careers or lower annual earnings will not qualify for the maximum.
To optimize your payout:
- Work at least 35 years
- Earn at or above the taxable maximum each year
- Wait until Full Retirement Age or later to file
Eligible retirees aged 66-67 will receive up to $4,018 on July 9, July 16, or July 23, 2025, depending on their birth dates.
This direct deposit can be a significant support for those who waited until their Full Retirement Age and met SSA’s work and income criteria.
If you haven’t filed yet, understanding the timing and strategy behind when to claim Social Security could increase your lifetime income. Check your records, evaluate your earnings history, and consult with SSA if needed.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $4,018 Social Security payment?
You must be aged 66–67, have earned the taxable maximum for 35 years, and filed at Full Retirement Age.
What are the July 2025 payment dates?
Payments will be made on July 9, July 16, and July 23, depending on your birth date range.
Can I receive more than $4,018?
Yes, by delaying retirement until age 70, the maximum benefit in 2025 can reach $5,108.