Here’s who’s getting an average of $2,000 from Social Security on Wednesday, March 26

Millions of Social Security recipients are set to receive an average payment of around $2,000 on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. This payout is part of the regular monthly Social Security disbursements, but it’s gaining attention due to two key developments: the payment schedule based on birth dates and a new law benefiting retirees previously affected by controversial Social Security provisions.

Who Gets Paid on March 26?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), beneficiaries who were born between the 21st and 31st of any month are scheduled to receive their payments on the fourth Wednesday of each month. For March 2025, that date falls on Wednesday, March 26. This schedule applies primarily to individuals receiving retirement, survivor, or disability benefits (SSDI), provided they began claiming benefits after May 1997. Those who started receiving payments earlier or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) usually follow a different schedule, often on the 1st of the month.

Why Are Payments Around $2,000?

The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit in 2025 is approximately $1,907, according to the SSA’s latest estimates. However, some beneficiaries—particularly those who worked high-paying jobs and delayed retirement until age 70—could see benefits well above this figure. Disability and survivor benefits may be lower or higher depending on the individual’s earnings record. Your benefit amount depends on several factors, including:

• • Your lifetime earnings subject to Social Security taxes

• • The age at which you began claiming benefits

• • Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs), which rise annually with inflation

A New Law Means Extra Money for Millions

In addition to the regularly scheduled March 26 payments, some retirees may receive retroactive payments and increased future benefits due to the recent repeal of two long-criticized provisions: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions previously reduced Social Security benefits for individuals who also received pensions from work not covered by Social Security — often public sector employees like teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers. Thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law earlier this year, both the WEP and GPO are now eliminated. This change is expected to benefit more than 3 million Americans, with many receiving:

• • Retroactive payments averaging $6,710, depending on how long their benefits were reduced

• • Higher monthly payments starting in April 2025

Who Benefits From the WEP and GPO Repeal?

This historic change targets individuals who spent part of their careers in jobs not covered by Social Security, such as:

• • State and local government workers

• • Public school teachers

• • Police officers and firefighters

• • Postal workers and certain federal employees

For years, these retirees received reduced Social Security checks, even though they paid into the system through other jobs. With the repeal, these reductions are lifted, and the SSA is working to recalculate benefits and issue back pay.

What You Should Do Now

If you’re unsure whether you’re on the list for the March 26 payment or the retroactive bonus:

• • Check your birth date: If you were born between the 21st–31st, you’re in line for a March 26 payout.

• • Review your SSA account: Log in at SSA.gov/myaccount to check payment dates and amounts.

• • Contact SSA if needed: If you suspect you’re affected by the WEP/GPO changes but haven’t received notice, reach out via the SSA’s Contact Page.

As the SSA processes retroactive payments and adjusts monthly benefits, many Americans will find welcome relief amid ongoing inflation and rising living costs.

Final Thoughts

For millions of Americans, the fourth Wednesday of March brings more than just a routine payment. With increased average benefit amounts and long-overdue reforms to outdated provisions, 2025 marks a meaningful shift for retirees, especially those from the public sector who have long felt shortchanged.